There was quite a ''terminological mess'' back in the 80's and it still is all over the world.
For example German record label ZYX publishes songs of German groups under the name
'' The Best Of Italo Disco '' !?
So, is German Disco the same as Italo Disco? Phew,,, who knows... But using my experience
I would divide these categories like this:
Hi-NRG: 1980 - 1986
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(Patrick Cowley, Sylvester, The Flirts, Divine, Bobby Orlando, 1-2-3)
Italo Disco: 1983 - 1988
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(Den Harrow, Ken Laszlo, Radiorama, Atrium, Latin Lover, P. Lion, Scotch, Linda Jo Rizzo)
Canadian Disco: ???? - ???? (very questionable style of disco music)
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(Trans-X, Lime, Cardenia)
- many of the #1 records in North America were produced in Canada, and often licensed by USA and European labels, so many DJ's started to calling it ''Canadian Disco''
Italo NRG: 1988 - till today
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(Alphatown, Coo Coo, Oscar, Diego Vidal, Mauro ''Mark'' Farina & Giuliano Crivellente)
- many people on the Internet call this Hi-NRG, and some even Italo Disco - this is an absurd
to me, because these styles hasn't been made since the last years of the 80's.
- There is also another term in use: ''New Italo''.
Eurobeat: 1985 - 1995
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(Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Sinitta, Mel & Kim)
- mostly produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman
EuroDance: 1994 - till today
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(La Bouche, Haddaway, Masterboy, E-Type, Mr. President, Dr. Alban, DJ Bobo)
- this style has also called for: Dance, Hi-NRG, Eurobeat (once again it's a mistake)
EuroDisco: 1978 - till today
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- It includes all of disco music created (where ever in) Europe
This is how it supposed to look like - from eighties till today. Many people will not agree with above, but it is important to set terms so we could understand each other.
I hope this text can clear up the picture for a bit more!!