What is the difference between a "lunch" and a "luncheon"?

The difference is perhaps better known to us older generation (the 50-somethings and older) who grew up in the 1960s and '70s. But I have to give you the whole setup for it to make any sense:

- Breakfast is breakfast
- Elevenses is (not are) the midmorning version of the afternoon tea*

* Elevenses is what is (was) known as "second breakfast" in Bavaria (Germany), Austria, Poland and Hungary, and "tiffin" in Indian English.

- Lunch at midday is "dinner" but only in school or at home
- Lunch is "lunch" or "luncheon" for anywhere else

- Afternoon tea is taken (not "eaten") usually from 4pm to 6pm

- Dinner is the main evening meal, but called "supper" at home
- Dinner is "dinner" anywhere else
- The working class used to call their dinners "high tea" instead

For practical purposes, luncheon is the "formal spelling" for lunch.

Confused yet?

(Updated 03 Dec 2014 to add extra details for 'elevenses')

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