I recently got attacked by someone for saying that there was not much of a difference, if any, between Mao-Zedong thought and Maoism.
The only explanation I've heard was when I was in street and had a conversation with a guy who was selling newspapers.
He said that their party followed Mao-Zedong Thought, not his actions.
I don't know if that is the distinction that is usually made by Maoists or people who follow Mao-Zedong Thought, but so far I haven't heard another yet.