The difference between Mess around and Waste time
When used as verbs, mess around means to fiddle idly, whereas waste time means to allow time to elapse in an unproductive manner.
check bellow for the other definitions of Mess around and Waste time
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Mess around as a verb (informal):
To fiddle idly.
Examples:
"The kids sat there messing around with leaves and blades of grass because they were bored."
"These guys don't mess around! They finished the whole job in ten minutes."
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Mess around as a verb (informal):
To joke, kid, or play.
Examples:
"Hey, don't take it personally. I was only messing around."
"Don't mess around with electricity if you don't understand it."
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Mess around as a verb (informal):
To have a sexual relationship, especially one which is non-commital.
Examples:
"Rumor has it that he's messing around with his secretary."
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Waste time as a verb:
To allow time to elapse in an unproductive manner.