s/o: What is china anyhow?

CleoKitty

I have a nice set of dishes that I use daily. My mom has nice everyday dishes. No one in my family has china which leads me to ask: WTH is china anyhow? How does it differ from regular dishes? 

Jodi&Joe

Really expensive, rarely used, dust collectors.

JOEBunny

I use my china everyday.  I have broken exactly one piece in 6 years, and my kids eat on it too.  As the PP said, it is very strong.  I wash it in the dishwasher.  Newer china patterns have some that can go in the dishwasher, which my lenox pattern is.  I have 18 place settings.