Could someone give me a definition of "neoconservative"? People use that term and "neocon" all the time, but how does a neoconservative differ from a plain old conservative?
It generally refers to someone who is a fiscal and economic conservative while being generally moderate to liberal on most social issues. Most neocons also tend to be hawkish and have strong imperialist tendencies. They are also statists and constitutionally anti-constructionist. Their poster child is the current occupant of the White House.
...but how does a neoconservative differ from a plain old conservative?
Like all political and ideological labels, the term conservative seems to change over time. It is also pretty subjective. For instance, most Libertarians and Objectivists are considered raging conservatives by many on the left while many on the right label them as raging liberals. So the answer to your question would depend on how you define a conservative.
It is a compound word, with the 'con' meaning conservative and the 'neo' meaning Jewish.
Probably the biggest diference between a paleocon and a neocon, is that a paleocon is an America First type conservative. If it is not in America interest then do not do it. What ever it is war, trade, agreements, etc. Neocons take a more globalist view, if it is in the worlds interest and US power can to it, lets do it even if it might not be in Americans interests.