It basically comes down to named groupings of assemblies. They are really just marketing terms. I consider the .NET Framework to encompass all .NET assemblies s

It basically comes down to named groupings of assemblies. They are really just marketing terms. I consider the .NET Framework to encompass all .NET assemblies shipped by Microsoft in the System and sometimes Microsoft namespaces. The ones you listed are simply groupings that Microsoft considers important enough to create project templates for, have forums dedicated to each, produce examples for, etc.