Are we in a Recession or a Depression?

[BigmanPigman]

I'm not an economist but what are the guidelines for determining our current economic status and our near future status? Does it even make a difference? Is it just a label these days? Is the tRump admin. able to dictate actual or false economic statistics?

[ananda]

1. It's hard to tell when a corrupt

government and nedia are in charge of the messaging.

[Skittles]

2. and the numbers

yes indeed

[biophile]

3. It can be very local and even down to an individual

I think we are already in a recession nationally, although some areas are doing better - or worse. The actual indicators often lag because of the data collection and analysis but the gas price effect is going to show up very soon.
Individually, I am in a depression. This is all overwhelmingly sad and frustrating.

[Dave Id]

4. Even if it may technically 'only' a recession

housing, utilities, food, gasoline, and the general cost of living is pretty depressing.

[edhopper]

5. We still have economic growth

So technically we are not. But job numbers are awful and inflation is hurting every one.
Also the current government numbers can't be trusted.