Cross stitch vs needlepoint

[PurpleParis]

I have done a lot of cross stitch over recent years, however I do not consider myself an expert, by any means, this is why I am asking, what seems a silly question! What is needlepoint and embroidery, how do they differ from cross stitch?

[Jugglering]

I thought needlepoint work was a range of different stitches (tent, basketweave etc etc) using wool, silk or cotton on a canvas backing (ie ready pricked holes), whilst embroidery was silk or cotton thread sewn directly onto linen or cotton (some patterns are pre-printed onto large squares of fabric, like tablecloths) and one chooses a stitch and colour to fill in the pattern. The cross stitch work I've seen has also used canvas (or nylon equivalents) backing with the stitches being little crosses of any of the above threads.

Looking back at my definitions above, they don't really seem that different, do they ?

[Maypole]

Embroidery is the broader term and incorporates needlepoint and cross-stitch as well as crewel work, blackwork, whitework, cutwork and machine.

I *think* needlepoint refers to the whole surface of the fabric being covered, whereas cross stitch usually has the canvas as the background.