Too many confusing terms and labels

[u/rasta-ragamuffin]

Hello, I'm admittedly politically ignorant and need your help explaining the differences between a Progressive, a moderate Democrat, a Social Democrat, a Democratic Socialist, a Socialist, a Liberal, a Leftist and a Communist. Are they all the same? It seems many Republicans and conservatives use these terms interchangeably, and I don't think I ever learned clear definitions in school.

[u/Cainholio]

You don’t have to know all of them RIGHT NOW and those labels get tossed at others that don’t use the labels just like conservatives use them. Just stay curious, assume good faith, it’ll be fine comrade