As verbs the difference between receding and recess
is that
receding is while
recess is to inset into something, or to recede.
As nouns the difference between receding and recess
is that
receding is the action of something that recedes while
recess is (countable|or|uncountable) a break, pause or vacation.
As an adjective recess is
(obsolete|rare) remote, distant (in time or place).