Only a few metals are magnetic. Iron, steel, cobalt and nickel are all attracted by a magnet and can be made into magnets. Steel is mostly iron, so it is magnetic too. Other metals such as copper, aluminium and gold are not magnetic.
A permanent magnet keeps its magnetism. Steel is used for permanent magnets because it is hard to magnetise but then stays magnetised. Permanent magnets are used in compasses, fridge door seals, cupboard catches and loudspeakers.
A temporary magnet is magnetic only for as long as it is in a magnetic field or has a current in a coil around it. Iron is used for temporary magnets because it is easy to magnetise and loses its magnetism quickly. Iron cores are used inside electromagnets, such as those in scrapyard cranes and electric bells, because the magnet can be switched on and off.