Using the word "difference" in the meaning "result of subtraction" taking into account the negative values

The result of subtraction is called "difference". At first glance it might seem that it shouldn't cause an ambiguity over the value denoted by this word; until we stumble upon subtractions that produce negative results.

What do I actually mean? It is clear that:

2 − 5 = −3

But when we say "the difference between 2 and 5" don't we mean "3" in the first place irrespective of the order in which we place the numbers in the sentence? What expression should we use to make it clear, regardless of the context, that we imply "−3"?

Solution 1:

The only expression that always means "−3", regardless of context, is "−3". Likewise, the only way to make clear that you mean not just "the difference between 2 and 5" but "2 − 5", is by flat out saying "two minus five".

Incidentally, that's what they ask you in school, "How much is two minus five?" And not "What is the difference between two and five?"