What is the difference between DNA and chromosomes?

I know that in Eukaryotes, a chromosome is a structure composed of DNA and protein that contains part of the genetic information of the cell. What I don't understand is the following: If DNA is one long molecule that contains all our genetic information, how come chromosomes are many? How come chromosomes contain part of the genetic information? When the cell prepares to divide let's say by mitosis, does the long DNA molecule separate into pieces which then become chromosomes? I know it might seem crazy, but I really do not understand the difference...Any kind of help is appreciated.What is the difference between DNA and chromosomes?
Before any division, the chromosomes are located in the nucleus along with the DNA and proteins as you said. The reason for DNA being part of the chromosomes is that it allows genetic variation in meiosis. Mitosis on the other hand is the division of a diploid cell resulting in two diploid cells carrying the exact same genetic material as the parent cell, therefore it does not matter that it was on the chromosomes. Howver in meiosis, crossing over can occur in Meiosis I, This is important because when the homologous chromosomes line up and are split during Meiosis I it allows different genes from the mother cell (the egg) and the father cell (spem) for example such as in humans. Than when it splits again in Meiosis II it results in four haploid cells carrying only half of the genetic material necessary for a somatic cell (which in humans is 46 chromosomes, and our sex cells produced through Meiosis is 23 chromosomes). Essentially the chromosomes carry the DNA pieces and proteins in order to allow for division whether in Meiosis or Mitosis. I hope this helped!