These terms are always contested. People use them with varying definitions without explaining things.

We can make one clear distinction, though. In the US, a democrat is a person who usually votes for the Democratic Party candidates. It really is that simple．

The best thing for you to do is ask about half a dozen issues you care about. That will tell you if the person’s stated values are similar to yours.

Oh god, this is so way beyond my grasp of politics.

Words have no inherent meaning apart from use. Quibbling over semantics, as if you can finely slice reality, is a waste of time.