What’s the difference between a street and a road?

There used to be a significant difference between a street and a road...  

A road would run between two distant points and generally had more traffic than a street - which would tend to be more residential. But as towns and cities grew – many roads and streets changed, while the names remained the same. Here are some general definitions to some other paved scenarios:

• An avenue is traditionally a straight road with a line of trees or shrubs along each side.

• A boulevard is usually a widened, multi-lane situation, often with a landscaped median and sidewalks on either side.

• A court is a short street that ends as a cul de sac.

• A drive can be a local access road to a small group of structures, or a meandering, rather than straight, road or highway.

• An expressway is a divided highway meant for high-speed traffic.

• A freeway is also designed for high-speed – but without intersections.

• A highway is intended for travel between destinations like cities and towns.

• A lane is a narrow road or street without a shoulder or median.

• A way is a minor street off a road in a town.