Is there any such thing as a Futures "Investor", or is it only Futures "Trader"?

Question

Do individuals 'invest' in futures, or do they 'trade' futures? The nomenclature is a little hazy.

Answer 1

According to my dictionary, an investor is someone who puts money into assets with the expectation of making a profit.  By that definition I guess there certainly would be futures investors.  But normally they are considered traders.  Probably because most of them do not make a profit.  

Answer 2

When you are talking about futures, you are really talking more short term than long term; thus by definition you are a trader.  BUT when dealing in futures, you are really investing, so you have an oxymoron.

Answer 3

I suppose you would be inclined to say trader as the only way you could hold a future long term would be to keep rolling it over. Bit academic really. These differing terms ar only important for communication. As long as the person you are talking to understands you then it doesn't really matter.