Also, during the late 70s and very early 80's I never remember anyone using the post-punk or alternative label. This was created by music critics much later. It seemed to me that the description of "Alternative Music" came about around when MTV's 120 minutes was on the air for some time - say until the very late 80s early 90s. From my recollection.
They were punk.
Punk and New Wave were synonymous for a while.
When record companies staring signing safe crappy bands they began to use New Wave because it was less scary than punk.