Agreed. The two do get confused and it is no wonder rally, given the many different English speaking counties and the different venues.
A quick search turns up my understanding of the differences. Others may differ, but IMO the difference is whether the goal is to win or to learn.
In debate defensiveness, rhetoric, disingenuousness and concealment is de rigeur and truthfulness optional.
In discussion, the opposite applies.
https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/debate-and-discussion/
A chart from that site is attached here.
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