these are the most basic, black & white definitions, and i’m not going to get into my personal opinions about each category because this is to inform, not to sway.

vegans don’t eat any animal flesh or by-products, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, milk, cheese, cream cheese, gelatin, honey, animal stocks, etc. veganism is a lifestyle change, most don’t just stop at food, but incorporate it into their daily life - they don’t buy leather, silk, wool, or other products using animal-based ingredients including cosmetics & bath supplies.

vegetarians don’t eat animal flesh. that includes beef, pork, birds, rabbit, fish, etc. most of the vegetarians i know will also not eat animal-based stocks, and also look out for cheese with rennet in it.

there are a few sub-sections of vegetarianism, including:

lacto-ovo: doesn’t eat animal flesh, but will eat dairy & eggs

ovo: doesn’t eat animal flesh or dairy

lacto: doesn’t eat animal flesh or eggs

pescetarian: doesn’t eat most all animal flesh, but will eat fish (also considered semi-vegetarian, but most vegans consider them omnivores.)

personally, i think labels are silly - i think as long as you’re remaining conscious about your consumption, and do the most you can to reduce suffering overall (my #1 choice as to why i’m vegan), you’re doing good. life isn’t black and white, it’s about learning from others AND having your own opinions. hope that makes sense :p