Both an open house and a private showing allow a buyer to tour a home on the market. During the tour, a buyer can look at anything that would be included in the sale, like inside the garage, cabinets, and closets. However, an open house and a private showing do have some differences. 

A private showing is a tour scheduled by a licensed real estate agent (often the buyer agent you're working with) who has secure access to the home. You may be the only buyer in the home, and have a wider selection of showing time choices. You will also have the one-on-one guidance of the agent with you.

An open house is a designated time (often two hours, on a weekend) for the public to tour the home with a licensed real estate agent hosting. Open houses allow for a more leisurely showing, to see the home a second time, or bring friends and family. However, there will likely be other buyers in the home at the same time.

You can always request a private showing through your search.