"Late" vs. "behind" on bills

[Mr. Brass Bonanza]

I see a lot of talk of people who are "behind" on their mortgage. What's the difference between "late" and "behind"? I'm thinking "behind" and "delinquent" are the same, but are those different than being "late"? I have been late on my mortage a few time and had to pay a late fee, but I have never been 30 or more days late. Does that mean I was never "behind" on my mortgage?

[buzznwoodysmom]

I am not sure, but I would think that being "behind" would mean you have not paid more than one payment. I wouldn't think paying a few days late would be considered being "behind" on your mortgage. I am sure someone with better knowledge will come along soon. I am now curious too.

[brownie]

Yeah, I'd think that late means you're paying it, you just missed the payment due date that month. I think that behind means you haven't been making full payments each month or you haven't made a payment in a couple months.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I'd never thought of it before, but that makes sense...late is when you miss the due date of the bill, but get it paid in the same "cycle". Behind is one or more cycles late.

Let's hope we all stay as current as possible in these crazy times

[Ian]

Most people don't know this, but those terms actually have pretty specific definitions from a credit perspective ...

Late typically means that you are past your due date, but less than 30 days late on your most recent payment. All other payments are current.

Behind means you have missed at least one payment by more than 30 days.

[Speedy1998]

Yeah, I'd think that late means you're paying it, you just missed the payment due date that month. I think that behind means you haven't been making full payments each month or you haven't made a payment in a couple months.

That's about right. Usually you will not take a hit on your credit rating for a late payment.

[pixiesmimi]

Oh yes you will. If you have ever had a late payment on anything, just check your credit report. It will reflect the late payment even if it was just once. Sometimes late payments can just be because you got busy and forgot to mail the payment and remembered a week later or something. But they will still ding you for it, unfortunately.

[crazypoohbear]

I think it all means the same thing!
Like, big, heavy, husky, woman's size, plus size, broad, chunky etc means the same thing
small, petite, short, little, etc all mean the same thing.
Like when someone says they are downsizing the company, they are firing, laying off, canning, pink slip etc.
fancy words, all mean the same.