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They all run in the same family, but the gourds are usually ornamental and cannot be eaten. There are some that are technically gourds that can be eaten, but, they are usually "referred" to as pumpkins.

I know! That wasn't helpful at all!!!! xoxox

Hahaha nop it wasn't :p
So gourds cannot be eaten unless they can :D

Just remember this: gourds are for ornamentation, squash is for cooking, and pumpkin is for cooking or carving. I hope that helps a little! :) They are all under the umbrella of the enormous family of Cucurbitaceae .

Oh that is better.
I will still not know which one is which when I see a pile of different pumpkins :p

The ones that are pretty and small with little lumps on it are usually the ornamental. (rule of thumb?)

Okay :) I hardly see those here anyway... I think it is not so popular to decorate houses for Halloween, or celebrate it.