The subject of ghosts has always been an interesting one for me. Not only because of how others react, feel, or believe/disbelieve in ghosts but also for how encounters or situations can be interpreted differently by those people involved.
I myself feel the idea of ghosts can be divided into a few groups: first there is that of 'spirits', as in beings that have never had a body and that more often than not have a negative effect or influence over the living. Then there is the impressions or memory left by those who died, not so much the actual ghost of the deceased but more a strong emotional 'imprint' left behind. Perhaps in more rare situations it may actually be a loved one being allowed to come back to deliver a message or bring comfort. Then, finally, there is the deception of the senses that bring one to believe there's something there when there's not. These I believe can all be true interpretations of ghosts and to their existence, though each can be very different.
Yet, understandably, it is not always clear or easy to tell what a person is experiencing is one of the above, hence why there is so much disagreement and varying opinions on this subject.
Ghosts and spirits are mostly the same thing. The differences are defined by most believers in a way that fits their faith or belief but they are still immaterial beings.
Related Topics to this one:
* Do You Believe In Ghosts?
* Small Children See Ghosts?
* Do People Ridcule Your Belief In Ghosts?
* Ghosts Do Not Exist
* Atheists & Ghosts
* Thoughts On Ghosts
* Ghosts vs Evolution