I agree with Bobette. But, the other thing to keep in mind is that all these terms are used differently by different people and in different contexts. I think if you understand the concepts, you shouldn't get too hung up on the terminology.
Another way I look at it is this: Your brand has a definition in people's minds. You want your brand definition to reflect how you've positioned yourself in the market.
Take Walmart, for example. The definition they want folks to think of when they hear Walmart includes: large selection, one-stop shopping, reasonable prices, helps their customers get more of what they want, etc etc
As opposed to say, Neiman Marcus, whose position or brand definition would be more: expensive, upscale, prestigious, outstanding customer service, etc.
The way I think of it, first you figure out who your customers are and what your position is in the market, which you can call your positioning or brand definition.
Then, you figure out what you have to do to burn your brand definition into people's brains when they see your brand. That's called branding, or a branding process, and it includes designing a logo, packaging, where and how to advertise, etc.
Hope that helps rather than muddy the waters!
Kathleen
