Argument v Debate

I have always distinguished between a debate and an argument.

For mine, a debate involves two reasonable and/or rational people that are prepared to consider and even adopt the position of another, even if the chances of this happening are very slight. Nothing is ruled out. Debates can be emotional, but the intent is never lost on either party.

An argument on the other hand involves at least one party that has no intention of ever adopting the position of the other. This of course infuriates the other party and emotions can spiral out of control. Arguments usually end in stalemate or false declarations of conformity, when one party becomes too exhausted to continue.