what is the difference between starters and appetizers?

[ConfusedMum]

i guess the title says it all really :)

xXx

[Ethel]

Don't forget the dinner party obligatory 'amuse bouche' - (mouth pleasers in English).

These and appetisers are served with pre-dinner drinks in tiny bite sized morsels, and can be hot or cold.

Starters are the first course of the meal proper, more substantial, and eaten at the table with cutlery.

[BBWCHATT]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appetizer

Appetizer has several meanings:
Appetizer is another name for hors d'�uvre, a small course served right at the beginning of a meal, before the soup or entr�e.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hors_d%27%C5%93uv re

The purpose of the hors d'�uvre is to whet the appetite; if there is a long waiting period between when the guests arrive and when the meal is served (for example, during a cocktail hour), these might also serve the purpose of sustaining guests during the long wait. Hors d'�uvres are sometimes served with no meal served afterward. This is the case with many reception and cocktail party events.
Hors d'�uvre may be served at the table; for example, as a part of the sit-down meal; or they may be served before sitting at the table.
A more substantial starter or first course served at the table might be referred to as an entr�e (outside North America).

[BBWCHATT]

Hi Confusedmum - if it isn't too much trouble - and if you have the time - could you please let us know if we gave you what you needed or if we need to keep looking?

Thanks for your help.
BBWCHATT