Different meaning between the verbs, approcher and rapprocher

Question

The dictionary meaning shows both of these verbs as meaning "to move closer together."
Is it correct that approcher applies to moving closer between 2 physical locations, and rapprocher applies to personal relationships with other people, as is the case in this exercise?

Accepted Answer

Hi Tom,
Rapprocher --> joindre / réunir / unir / réconciler 
Approcher  --> venir / plus près / arriver (nuit)
Not sure if it is exclusively between people, the synonymy doesn't support that sense to me.
I get the feeling that rapprocher is closer still than approcher and it is a case of the degree of closeness between the two verbs.
Hope this helps.
Jim

Answer

Bonjour Tom,
To supplement Jim's excellent answer:
Approche-toi, mon petit ! = come closer, my dear! (getting closer - space)
Rapproche-toi un peu ! = Come a little bit closer! (getting even closer - space)
La fête approche à grands pas = the party is getting closer (in time)
Je rapproche le fauteuil au canapé = I bring the armchair closer to the sofa 
See link here for: S'approcher - Se rapprocher
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

Hi Jim and Céline,Thanks for your responses. They are very helpful.Tom