Cross Cutting Vs. Parallel Editing

Cross-cutting: Literally, cutting between different sets of action that can be occurring simultaneously or at different times, (this term is used synonymously but somewhat incorrectly with parallel editing.) Cross-cutting is used to build suspense, or to show the relationship between the different sets of action.
http://dave.net.au/online/filmandvid/html/parallel.html

Parallel editing: An editing technique that allows two or more simultaneous sets of action to unfold within a single film sequence. Uses: Creates tension, can show multiple points of view and can create dramatic irony when the characters are unaware of events unfolding away from the main action.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-cutting


There is a difference between cross cutting and parallel editing and that would would be time. You can cross cut to shots from different time periods, but the term parallel editing is used to show two separate events scenes happening simultaneously. I guess at times this means you could use the term interchangeably when writing based on the circumstance of the scene.