USB-C is a universal connector that can carry both data and video. The video signal transport is the DisplayPort protocol sent over USB-C.
USB-C is found as the only connector on all modern Macbooks (approximately from 2017 onwards) and on newer iMacs etc. Whilst it is nice that the cable can be plugged in both ways, and that in theory the same cable can be used in multiple ways, in practise there are often issues with USB-C.
Some example issues: USB-C connections tend to feel a bit loose, and it's not unheard of for the cable to simply drop out of the monitor (there is no locking mechanism as with DisplayPort). Some USB-C cables are data only, and will not carry video (and many sites that sell them are not good at identifying which are which). In theory, USB-C cables can be used for video whilst also charging your laptop - however most monitor makers have avoided actually implementing this feature because in practise it rarely works well and it adds significant complexity (i.e. cost) to the production of the monitor.
We have two useful articles on USB-C - how to get the right cables and general notes on USB-C monitor hookups.