Chip vs. Pitch: Understanding the Difference in Golf Shots

Question
Mechanically, what is the difference between a chip and a pitch.  I've played with some good golfers who have said "nice chip" when I thought I pitched it, and "nice pitch" when I thought I chipped it.  How can I tell by looking at a person which one he or she is doing ?
Thanks !

Answer
hello.  chip is more of a shot that you use to hit a "hit and run" shot.  meaning, you try to roll the ball as much as possible.  pitch means taking a near-full swing at it.  this shot should land near the target and stop there.  
basically anything above 20 yards could be considered as a pitch.  if the players you played with had said, "nice pitch" when you really chipped, then they are just referring it to as a good shot without noticing the difference between chip and pitch.