What is the difference between a "non-stop" and a "direct" flight?

What is the difference between a "non-stop" and a "direct" flight?

A "non-stop" flight is when you get from one destination to the other without stopping - without changing planes. A direct flight is different than a non-stop flight although it might sound like it's the exact same thing. With a direct flight, you can actually stop in an intermediate city, but not get off the plane and your flight number does not change. So you're going from Los Angeles to New York, but you might touch down in Denver and not get off the plane - it would still be a direct flight.