I'd say it depends where you come from as to how you use the word.
For me they're different, cute is more a 'ahh look at him, ain't he lovely' sort of meaning, usually meaning just good looking, nothing like 'phoar he's sexy' which means he's got the whole package (excuse the pun)
Speaking for my gender, I would rather be called one than the other. Cute is seen by lads (well, most of my mates) as being soft / girly etc. Sexy is a much better compliment to a lad as it means he's doing everything right. :)
Bear in mind this is my own oppinion and that of my drinking buddies.
No, we're not gay but we do sometimes get on to weird subject such as the above. :)
Thank you for the replies. A woman said it to me recently in an encouraging way and I wondered whether she was saying that I was nice, sexy, gorgeous or whatever.
Great to see that the replies are from females as I was more or less aiming this question at you!
If it's a regional thing, (if it depends from when I come from) then I'm from the East Midlands.
To me, cute and sexy are two completely different things. Although id say they are both still compliments. Cute is, someone who i see and just wanna grab them and cuddle them!!!! Sexy is, someone who i wanna drool over and stare at! I hope this helps x