"Early application" and "late application" refer to the relationship between two cited patent applications in priority cases. The earlier application refers to the patent application with priority, and the later application refers to the patent application with priority of "earlier application".
For example: application 1: the application date is 20 17 1+0.
Application 2: The application date is July 28th, 20 17.
When application 2 refers to the priority of application 1, application 1 is an earlier application and application 2 is a later application.