Seriously, the distinction comes solely from those who consider themselves "hardcore". These folks look down their noses at anyone who doesn't exhibit their own dedication (at any level) to the same venue. If you fumble the raid, you don't know your class or didn't prep properly -- you're a noob. If you're asking questions which they themselves have studied with the intensity of an 80 year old l ibrarian, you're an idiot.

Casual players probably don't consider themselves casual. They probably don't consider themselves anything at all, except someone who's doing something they enjoy.

My own personal definition in the CvH debate comes from the fact that there are Bejewled players out there who could be considered far more "hardcore" then anyone who's ever raided in WoW. But, of course, Bejewled doesn't carry the gamer cachet that WoW does, so, obviously, Bejewled players are "casual"...according to the "hardcore" WoW players.

To me, a "hardcore gamer" is someone who loves gaming, period. They'll play games on PC, consoles, portables, web browsers and cell phones. They've either tried their hands at or have seriously contemplated learning how to create their own games. Someone who playes one single game to the exclusion of all others, and who bad-mouths anything that isn't their own game of choice is more "casual" in my opinion. and isn't really a "gamer" any more then someone who only watches football is a "sports fan".