There are two main reasons why black metal and its followers are confused with goths and gothic rock.

Firstly, there are elements of dress and style in common; dark clothes, monochrome make-up, weird silver jewelry, etc. As a general rule though, if you see an upside-down cross, pentacle (five pointed start in a circle)with a point directly downwards, or any satanic message, the wearer is a black metaller and not a goth.

Secondly, black metal can quite correctly be referred to as "gothic music" - meaning "barbarous, uncouth" (OED). "Gothic Rock", or simply "goth" is what describes the music of the post-punk subculture that is the subject of this document.

Black metal tends to have associated with it Satanism, and in some cases racism. Goths abhor racism, and, goth is not about religion (of any kind).

Heavy metal, in particular bands such as Black Sabbath and Metallica are sometimes labeled 'gothic' also. Again it is not part of the gothic movement. Some goths do appreciate the music however, but then there are those who appreciate the Spice Girls, Aqua, or the pop-trend of the day.