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Pagan vs. Neo-pagan

as Merriam-Webster online defines them.

pagan
Pronunciation: 'pA-g&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin paganus, from Latin, civilian, country dweller, from pagus country district; akin to Latin pangere to fix -- more at PACT
1 : HEATHEN 1; especially : a follower of a polytheistic religion (as in ancient Rome)
2 : one who has little or no religion and who delights in sensual pleasures and material goods : an irreligious or hedonistic person
3 : NEO-PAGAN
- pagan adjective
- pa·gan·ish /-g&-nish/ adjective
[cite]

neo-pagan
Pronunciation: -'pA-g&n
Function: noun
: a person who practices a contemporary form of paganism (as Wicca)
- neo-pagan adjective
- neo-pa·gan·ism /-'pA-g&-"ni-z&m/ noun
[cite]

using only these definitions, it is implied that one may use them interchangeably, as one is used in the meaning of the other. meanwhile, one is considered more modern than the other.

with use in public, there are those who hardline it and insist on defining both words seperately and distinctly, without using one in the others meaning.

"I would like to make a distinction between Paganism and Neo-Paganism. Paganism really refers to an an old and ancient number of religions that have really not survived to this day in any real inherited way, shape or form.
Neo-paganism refers to a group of religions and religious practices that includes Santeria, Voudun, Wicca, Christo-Paganism, Dianic Wicca (Which is sometimes monotheist), etc etc etc. It's a very broad term." - [cite]

"Let alone, there is the Heathenry vs Paganism vs Neo-Paganism view. Heathenry referring to Indigenous Northern European religions such as Asatru, Vanatru, Senistrognata, Romuva, Slavianstvo, and some forms of Celtic Reconstructionism. Paganism referring to Indigenous Souther European and Mediterranean religions such as Religio Romana, Hellenismos, Kemeticism. Neo-Paganism referring to modern created paths such as Wicca, Goddess spirituality, some forms of Druidry, Unitarian Universalist Paganism." - [cite]

what definitions do you use for either of these words?
do you make a clear distinction between the two?
do you use them interchangeably?
would you apply one in one circumstance but the other in another?

In certain situations, I use paganism and neopaganism interchangeably.
Here you will see me say 'pagan' because most people here know what I mean smile

I define 'neo-paganism' as any current pagan religeon. I don't make a real distinction between the two unless somebody is confused or misguided.

Taking into account that I do not recognize most of the religions, pathways and such named, I would have to say phoenix shadowwolf's deffinitions make sound right to me and pretty much sum up how I would use the two terms. Essentially the notion that "Pagan" is old/ancient and "Neopagan" is a modern interpretation of the old or altogether new is a simple way I would lay it out.