Why do people keep calling pool "billiards"?

Answer 1

Because they're unaware that 'billiards' is actually a game in which the table has no pockets, and is played with each person having there own 'cue' ball. There is one other balls on the table, usually red in colour, and the game consists of caroms by which one players attempts to strike the red ball making it hit the other person's cue ball thereby causing a 'carom'
The red ball, or object ball, can hit the other cue ball(also an object ball), in that order, or the cue ball can hit the red ball and then hit the other cue ball. Either way, they're both caroms and both count for points.
One player keeps playing as long as he continues getting caroms, or the play returns to the other player.

Pool consists of a different variation of games, all of which are played on a table with 6 pockets and numbered 'pool' balls.

So pool is often incorrectly called billiards in that sense.
It is deemed acceptable though in some places, to use the word 'pool' as a general term to describe any time of game involving pool balls, cues, and a felt covered table with bumper rails.

Answer 2

well Billiards is a term that can be used to describe all cue sports.

The original Billiards game was played with a white, red, and another white/yellow. You scored points by hitting both balls with one shot. The table had no pockets.

Over time pockets were put on the table and then you also scored points by potting the red or ur oppo's ball.

Over time the term billiards has vanished in europe, generally because the game has vanished. snooker and all the varieties of Pool have taken over.

just to recap pool is refered to as billiards just bacuse its a cue sport, thats the only reason. Anyone that plays the sport know there two very different games

Answer 3

Billiards is a term that can be used to describe all cue sports. Pool is commonly called "pocket billiards". Snooker and Carom games also fall into the larger category of billiards. It's just a blanket term for all of them. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 4

I'm no expert, but I believe there are differences between "pool" and "billiards". If there were no differences, one would never have had "The Music Man" with a song with lyrics that describe the hazards of Billiards which begins "with a b that rhymes with p that stands for pool."

Answer 5

"Billiards" is more of the formal name, while "Pool" is more of the informal, almost slang (but not really) term for the game. Everyone knows what billiards is, but not everyone from most countries is familiar with "pool".

Answer 6

It's a european thing, people who are from slavic and baltic countries especially.

Answer 7

because that's what it's called!

Answer 8

i dont know either but its gay