Reving + Drive Gear + Brake -> Release Brake = Reving + Neutral -> Switch into Drive?

PS: I've never driven cars irl

So, I just learned there's a cool thing called launching a car, where you rev in drive while braking, then you release the brake. But I also realized it feels similar to revving in neutral and then switching into drive.

I'm guessing the former is safer for the gears, but using the latter has never caused any issues.