The distinction between old money and new money primarily relates to the source of wealth rather than the lifestyle and social behavior of individuals in those categories.

The distinction between old money and new money mainly comes from how the wealth was acquired. Old money refers to families who have had wealth for many generations, often from businesses or land passed down through time. In contrast, new money is wealth that has been earned more recently, usually by individuals who have started their own businesses or achieved success in fields like entertainment or technology. For example, a family that has owned a large estate for centuries is considered old money, while a tech entrepreneur who became a millionaire in the last decade represents new money. Although both may have similar lifestyles, their backgrounds and how they acquired their wealth set them apart.