Clan, Family, House - What's the difference?

[creagdhubh]

According to the Clan Gordon (House of Gordon):

"The Gordon clan has included both Highland and Lowland branches of the family since
the 15th century and also has branches of the family in Russia, Germany, Belgium, The
Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States as well as
other parts of the world. It was felt that to be called a Highland Clan only did not truly
reflect the history of the Gordons, therefore the Chief chose to call the clan by the name
House of Gordon."

http://www.houseofgordonusa.org/aboutus.html

It is likely that this is the same reasoning why other Scottish families/clans, such as the House of Burnett, use the prefix of "House of . . ." As a term referring to a 'collective identity' containing branches from the Highlands, Lowlands and the Borders. The same could be said of the House of Stuart, which we all know is a Royal house.