Communism and Marxism? - whats the difference?

[Nick Yves]

I have heard communism and marxism be talked about as 2 different ideas...so are they different, or is it basically the same? same thing with leninism..

[Donut Master]

Communism is the basic idea of establishing a classless society. Communism was around before Marx, but he is considered the "father" of the ideology because he expanded upon it, and narrowed it's definition. Many ideas of how to reach a classless society have evolved over time, and Lenin's variation includes a one-party republic with state ownership of the means of production. Leninism could be considered a more authoritarian communism.

[Dirty Commie]

Marxism is often considered a 'pure' form of communism, but I see too much of an 'empty thought' in Marx/Engels writings to define communism from being much different than socialism, Marxist-Leninists, etc.

[Som]

Communism is a classless society.

Marxism is a method to reach that society.

Communism is the goal that Marxism seeks to achieve.

[Sensitive]

Som is correct.