Definitions
There are no universally agreed-upon definitions of misinformation and disinformation, but this is how the terms are used on this Web site:
Disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is deliberately spread by a government, organized political group, an individual or other entity. The issue of intent is key; if the intent is to spread false or misleading information, it is disinformation
Misinformation refers to false or misleading information that is spread unintentionally. If one unwittingly spreads false or misleading information, that is misinformation. Of course, many times it is impossible to ascertain intentions, so it may not be clear whether false information represents disinformation or misinformation.
Misinformation can be further subdivided into:
Media Mistakes which happen frequently given the pressure of deadlines and imperfect knowledge
Urban Legends -- Untrue stories that are widely believed because they speak to a widespread fear, hope, or other emotion
Conspiracy Theories -- Belief that powerful, evil hidden forces are secretly manipulating the course of world events and history.