Having sex is fun, can be quick, spur of the moment lust fulfillment any place any time. Making love is also fun, but more time is taken to enjoy it. It can last all night. It's sensual, its erotic and theres a connection of emotions that take it to another level.

For me it's always been the difference between physical exertion that involved genitals and an expression of the esteem and connection I felt for and with my partner. I totally gave up on the first -- it's more efficient and effective with a vibrator.

I think of making love as an emotional act and sex as a physical act. Like em both!

Just having sex, to me, means no guarantee nor expectation of "aftercare"; "making love" (that's always been such an awkward term ..to me) means there is attention afterward, aka "after care", meaning there's contact post intimacy, emotional support, not vanishing type thing.
In other words, simply put, the latter term means there is a personal investment worthy of protection.

Both are ill-defined terms that people tend to superimpose their own proclivities upon.

Thirty years ago I'd have told you with great confidence what the difference is, but I've found that people's [lack of] thinking on the topic is almost limitless and so what I think is kind of meaningless other than for the inexact purpose of trying to find someone who thinks roughly the same.

Having sex is a physical activity. Making love is a fuller involvement with a mind and heart connection with your partner.

Mmmm much to ponder. At other times in my life as I became sexually active there where Different levels of sensual excitement and exploration . I had wonderful lovemaking experience.There was a producing of different feeling I'd not experienced when emotionally involved. Then it changed and for many years I think it was just fking versus lovemaking . Still exploring the difference. Different attitude about sexuality and more interested in the sensual. I must sound confused. Lol I am

No difference. They're interchangeable.

Good question. I would say that making love is a celebration of your own sexuality as well as your partner's, but most importantly the connection you have emotionally/intellectually. -- Having sex seems to me more one person getting their jollies with another person who is either also getting their jollies, or completely not interested, or perhaps thinking of another person. Making love being the more intimate and emotionally satisfying than just having sex.

In general, I do not like/use euphemisms: bathroom, sleeping with,...

Making love: But I have had a few moments of extreme connection that included the location of my penis.