'Heated Debate' is another similair phrase- IMO the difference between a 'heated debate' and an argument and a fight has to do with the level of severity of the

'Heated Debate' is another similair phrase- IMO the difference between a 'heated debate' and an argument and a fight has to do with the level of severity of the thing involved, as well as the scope of where the heat is being brought, and what's being attacked. Here's kinda what I'm thinking for a division- Debating is more or less arguing a point or idea with someone else, heated debates are still arguing over the point. Fighting happens when the debate and points argued over shift from being about the merits of the point to the merits of the speaker (e.g. their history, esp. when, as others mentioned, it becomes a highly critical / mean meta-analysis) - this is the kind of thing that becomes especially harmful to partnerships. Also, W/RT damage to partnerships, etc., a heated debate about what desktop wallpaper someone should pick can probabmy damage a relationship just fine.