Stoneware, china, etc

[Portlyposh]

What's the difference? Which is the 'best'?
I'm in the market for a new dinner service and love retro stuff so have seen some lovely stoneware but don't know what I can and can't do with it!

Which is best for day to day use? what are the advantages of each? I'm clueless and have been living off Tesco value plates so this is a new world!

I think the stoneware is the most likely to chip if my ikea / supermarket stuff is anything to go by.
We have ikea 365 range for everyday which seems pretty tough.
We have denby china for posh. (wedding present). It is tough as the assistant in John Lewis demonstrated by whacking a dinner plate against a shelving unit! :)