Trance as a distinct musical genre appeared around 1992 in Europe, with tracks like Dance 2 Trance (this band's name allegedly being at the origin of the music label) - We Came In Peace, The Age of Love - The Age of Love, or Jam & Spoon - Stella on the one hand for the melodic part, Hardfloor - Acperience and Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea on the other for the progressive and rougher side.

Actually, in the early 90's, imported American House mutated to fit the Ecstasy-determined needs of British clubbers, with gay disco influences like diva vocals replaced by spacey dub effects and a mildly cosmic feel, taken from ambient artists like Aphex Twin and Autechre, or from the Detroit Techno and the emerging German Techno sound led by Westbam. The final result of this mutation, after the Progressive House stage, was soon called Trance music.

So, Trance as a genre appeared in Europe at the same time as Goa Trance, from a mix of different musical influences as well. Thus, despite the similar names, Goa Trance is not a direct offspring of Trance.