The code in the project is mapped to the content of the running target, without any possibility to verify the correctness of this mapping. This means that if the project contains code that is not on the target, then the state and run control might not reflect the truth, as variables and functions might have different code locations on the target than in the project.
The ability to activate a debug session without resetting a target is architecture dependent. Not all architectures support this feature.
Physically connecting a debug probe to a target might cause the target to reset, as most debug probes need an electrical connection to the reset line of the device. Normal electrical precautions need to be taken to avoid this.