Nowadays "curtains" and "drapes" are used interchangeably by the common folks, but people who work in the textile or theater industry may see a slight, insignificant difference. One being that "drape" comes from the word "drapery" which means thicker cloth or textile with certain class, elegance, and style, while "curtains" can be thinner(see through) and less elaborate. It is possible to have curtains and drapes on the same window.