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In forums like this one where theological discourse is taking place, precision of word usage is important, in fact vital, for proper discussion. We cannot communicate effectively if we are all using words with multiple meanings to everyone involved. Accordingly, yours is a very good question!
In proper theological discourse, the words "Calvinist" and "Reformed," should not be left naked and unqualified, as they mean something specific and we should take the time to understand their meaning as understood by those steeped in the domain under discussion.
Quite plainly, a Calvinist is someone who affirms the doctrines of grace commonly defined by the acrostic, TULIP.
These doctrines of grace ended up be summarized in an acrostic, TULIP, by a Pastor in the early 1900s as a nifty memory aid. Unfortunately, not a few think the mnemonic TULIP was something Calvin originated. He did not. The actual components underlying what was to be called TULIP actually were from a meeting some fifty-four years after the death of Calvin. A synod in Dort was held (1618) to address the position of the followers of the teachings of Arminius. Soon after the death of Arminius his followers organized a Remonstrance (a formal protest), presenting five points to the Church of Holland seeking to have its catechism and Belgic Confession revised. Those five points of Arminius' followers (the Remonstrants) were:
1. God elects or reproves on the foreseen faith or unbelief.
2. Christ died for all men although only believers are saved.
3. Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary to bring man unto faith.
4. This grace may be resisted.
5. Whether or not all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere requires further investigation.
At Dort these points of the Remonstrants were thoroughly answered:
https://www.wscal.edu/about-wsc/welcome-to-wsc/doctrinal-standards/canons-of-dort
The word Reformed means those that affirm—without taking major scruples—one of the historical confessions of the Reformation era (Second Helvetic Confession, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism or the Westminster Standards), all of which which necessarily includes the doctrines of grace as well as specifics related to church polity, principles of worship, baptism, and much more.
For the Westminster Standards (WCF, WLC, WSC), see:
http://www.creeds.net/Westminster/contents.htm
For an nice exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, see:
http://www.reformed.org/documents/shaw/
So, given the above, it helps to remember that...
All Reformed are Calvinists.
Not all Calvinists are Reformed.
Most Reformed have no quibbles with anyone who wants to appropriate these labels for themselves in ordinary conversations. But when he or she enters the realm of theological discussion, they should expect to be questioned about how and why they are using these words when their discussion takes a turn outside the bounds of the historical meaning of these words to the theologically informed.
For a more detailed explanation about what it means to be "Reformed":
http://the-highway.com/how-many-points_Muller.html
https://www.monergism.com/basics-reformed-faith
And on the topic of the soteriological views of the Reformed, see Packer's famous introduction to John Owen's
The Death Of Death in the Death of Christ:
http://gospelpedlar.com/articles/Salvation/introessay.html
AMR
In proper theological discourse, the words "Calvinist" and "Reformed," should not be left naked and unqualified, as they mean something specific and we should take the time to understand their meaning as understood by those steeped in the domain under discussion.
Quite plainly, a Calvinist is someone who affirms the doctrines of grace commonly defined by the acrostic, TULIP.
These doctrines of grace ended up be summarized in an acrostic, TULIP, by a Pastor in the early 1900s as a nifty memory aid. Unfortunately, not a few think the mnemonic TULIP was something Calvin originated. He did not. The actual components underlying what was to be called TULIP actually were from a meeting some fifty-four years after the death of Calvin. A synod in Dort was held (1618) to address the position of the followers of the teachings of Arminius. Soon after the death of Arminius his followers organized a Remonstrance (a formal protest), presenting five points to the Church of Holland seeking to have its catechism and Belgic Confession revised. Those five points of Arminius' followers (the Remonstrants) were:
1. God elects or reproves on the foreseen faith or unbelief.
2. Christ died for all men although only believers are saved.
3. Man is so depraved that divine grace is necessary to bring man unto faith.
4. This grace may be resisted.
5. Whether or not all who are truly regenerate will certainly persevere requires further investigation.
At Dort these points of the Remonstrants were thoroughly answered:
https://www.wscal.edu/about-wsc/welcome-to-wsc/doctrinal-standards/canons-of-dort
The word Reformed means those that affirm—without taking major scruples—one of the historical confessions of the Reformation era (Second Helvetic Confession, the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism or the Westminster Standards), all of which which necessarily includes the doctrines of grace as well as specifics related to church polity, principles of worship, baptism, and much more.
For the Westminster Standards (WCF, WLC, WSC), see:
http://www.creeds.net/Westminster/contents.htm
For an nice exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, see:
http://www.reformed.org/documents/shaw/
So, given the above, it helps to remember that...
All Reformed are Calvinists.
Not all Calvinists are Reformed.
Most Reformed have no quibbles with anyone who wants to appropriate these labels for themselves in ordinary conversations. But when he or she enters the realm of theological discussion, they should expect to be questioned about how and why they are using these words when their discussion takes a turn outside the bounds of the historical meaning of these words to the theologically informed.
For a more detailed explanation about what it means to be "Reformed":
http://the-highway.com/how-many-points_Muller.html
https://www.monergism.com/basics-reformed-faith
And on the topic of the soteriological views of the Reformed, see Packer's famous introduction to John Owen's
The Death Of Death in the Death of Christ:
http://gospelpedlar.com/articles/Salvation/introessay.html
AMR