I believe "Bull terriers" "American Staffordshire Terriers", "English Staffordshire Terriers" and a few others are referred to as "pit bulls" I think "pit bull" is a catch-all term used to describe any type of fighting terrier breed formerly used in dogfights conducted in pits and isn't really the name of a specific breed.
Of course, I have been known to be wrong, but I do know quite a bit about dog breeds.
Mostly correct, a lot depending on who you ask. The American Pit Bull Terrier (or APBT) is recognized by the UCA, UKC, ADBA, and CKC as a distinct breed, but it does not have the imprimatur of the AKC, which distinguishes the American Staffordshire.
The real problem is that the lack of definition means that the local dog catcher or police officer is left to discretionarily interpret the legislation as they see fit in these types of bans, which is complete b.s.
As for me, I'll stick with my Assault Sport Utility Shepherds, and any local gendarme who attempts to sieze them had better come prepared to kill me. My eldest has quite literally saved my life twice, and I'm prepared to do what's necessary to save his.