It depends on the region. In the southern regions, 米饭 means uncooked rice, a general term as in "grains". 白饭 means cooked steamed rice. You don't say 吃米 because it is not edible until cooked. In northern regions, they both mean the same. However, we all can understand what you mean given the context. As in English, depending on where you are, the word "rice" takes the correct meaning. You won't get a boxful of uncooked rice grains from a Chinese restaurant. for a takeout. 白米 and 白飯 are two entirely different things since unpolished rice is not white.