In America: Street: Usually runs East to West and are usually in a city. Avenue: Usually runs North to South, sometimes has a median. Boulevard: A street with trees lining the sides or with trees in the middle. Circle: Usually circles around an area, but may also be an open area intersected by multiple roads.

In theory, in a structured city, these different names have fairly definite meanings as stated above. However, in reality, it is much more random; i.e. the rules are it’s loosely applied. In some cities, streets and avenues are used somewhat interchangeability and could run in the same direction. Basically, the rules are not absolute, and you have to be familiar with the city you are in

This is only a North American thing.