Affiliate vs Joint Venture

When it comes to internet marketing, the line between affiliates and JV partners appears to be getting thinner over time, with the original meanings becoming merged into the same thing.

If you look into the definition of a JV in general, there are various meanings which differ from country to country. In France 'Joint venture' can be translated in various ways such as 'association d'entreprises', 'entreprise conjointe', 'coentreprise' or 'entreprise commune'. In general, 'societe anonyme' roughly covers all collaborations. In Germany however, 'Joint venture' is understood as a 'combination of companies'.

Also in general terms, an affiliate tends to have a lesser connection and involvement than a JV, and is often defined as someone with an association, minority interest or a company which is related to another company in some way.

With internet marketing, the trend has been set to attract affiliates by offering them a Joint Venture because it sounds more important, when in reality they are only selling a product as an affiliate and have no other involvement.

How do you view the difference between the two, and do you offer "Affiliate" or "JV" status to those who help you sell your products? I look forward to your comments