The difference between an argument/fight and a debate/discussion?

In my opinion, a discussion is about exploring different ideas - it can involve disagreement, but it's by no means combattive or competitive - if there's a disagreement, it's not heated, it's just another point of interest to explore. A debate is generally a competition with two principal speakers who have reseached their stance, and decided upon which side they're going to argue for (regardless of their personal opinion on the subject). In a debate, there's generally an audience, who decide who has won, by who has put forward the most convincing argument. Each debater will speak in turn, and can rebutt the other person's argument, and/or come back to answer the rebuttals of their opponent. Debate is all about use of language, and being able to convince the audience. It's a form of public speaking, and as I say, it's a form of competition. This is why it's used in politics. An argument is always emotional, often hurtful, and its aim is to pull the other person down. Arguments are never constructive, and often cause problems in themselves, as people often say things either that aren't true, or are exaggerated in an argument, which the other person may think are a revelation of how they "really feel", or vice-versa. Discussion and debate are healthy and promote thought and the exploration of ideas, whereas arguing and fighting are always negative and hurtful, and are about pulling people or ideas down. This is my take on it, but many people descend into debating tactics of taking the "devil's advocate" position as a way of avoiding proper interaction and sharing of ideas in a discussion.

Argument is exchange of words and discussion and debate, exchange of thoughts. There is a subtle line between the two. When there is much emotion involved, then discussion and debate will become argument and finally fight. That is unfortunate that some people do not understand the difference. Better not to start discussion with such people or else it will spoil our moods.

You're right, when things get emotional, then it's already an argument. Most of the time, a healthy debate would end up in a heated argument. What was supposed to be mentally stimulating could get out of hand. This is because when people tend to be emotional, the thinking process tends to be overcome or blocked, so that only the feelings would rule as a protective or defensive blanket. I also hope that people would learn how to be in a healthy debate because it's very intellectual and very stimulating. We always have to keep in mind that this is not mental sparring but an exchange of intelligent opinion. That's my take on the difference between the two. Happy myLotting!

I guess an argument/fight starts when people start calling names and making personal attacks. In a debate/discussion, opinions are respected. You can disagree with me and it is ok - not so for the first category.

I don't know exactly about these two words, but I think maybe debate is more formal than argument. Your explanation is reasonable.