One definition that I've often heard is that scripts
are interpreted and applications are compiled. Of course
this works in Perl's favour as Perl programs are compiled,
even if it looks like they're interpreted.
Update: Should probably make it clear that this
isn't a categorisation that I agree with (for many reasons
including the ones mentioned by mikeB below. I jsut
mention it as the most common explaination that I've
heard.
--
<
http://www.dave.org.uk>
"The first rule of Perl club is you don't talk about
Perl club."