Is there even a difference?

If there is do any of you have any idea what it is?
If there isn't then why do you think there are two words being used for the same creature?

It depends on who you ask. A few people say there is a difference, others (like me) say there isn't. Technically wereanimal means man and animal. Therian means something similar. People tend to separate the two because of how the media has turned were-animal (almost always wolf) into meaning that the being can physically shapeshift. Since physical shifting is a rather taboo subject in the community (accepted by the "sane" people to be physically impossible), some people have distanced themselves from the term "were".

Basically, the terms are interchangeable. However, due to the physical shape shifting connotation that were often brings with it thanks to Hollywood, a lot of people prefer the term therian and question heavily those who use the term were to make sure that they don't claim to be able to physically shift.

I also think therian sounds better.

Oh, you left me nothing to post.

You said everything I was going to say Byakko. lol
Except the bit about it sounding better, I still think there's something ruggedly appealing about the word Were, Therian seems a bit softer somehow. Still that could be an age thing, I grew up with Were, Therian is still quite a new word for me.

I don't think there's a difference really either, it's a case of personal preference and what you feel most comfortable with.
I'm with Byakko on the physical shifting aswell. Not that I'd ever though it possible, being one of those 'sane' types that Byakko mentioned, but also I read Wraiths post on it and was very impressed with the way she explained it.

I have no idea why but I have used each term differently again.
I use Were to describe the predators: wolves, big cats, foxes etc and Therian to describe non predators like Pegasus, Unicorns, and Dragons.

I am aware that the technical descriptions are actually pretty much the same but "Were" takes into account the metntal and psychic shifting that lots of Were wolves/cats etc experience.
Whereas the non predatorial therians dont appear to experience the same kind of aggressive shifting process, so Therian fits better.

Basically I think it is a personal choice thing but that was how I interpret the things I have read.

I just remembered I spent about 18 months from when I was about 20 trying to physically become a wolf. I didnt think of it as being Werewolf I was just trying to become what I felt inside.
Needless to say it didn't do me any good. I tell you what though it is a brilliant exercise for improving your concentration.

Zygo

I think it is of personal preferences. I call my self therian. It was what I feel comfortable saying and such. BUt others like to say I am were-tiger. It doesn't bother me when they use this. I introduce myself as a therian though