Metadata: ArcGIS format vs. Item Description style

[Craig_Eissler_Iceman]

I'm reading through ArcGIS Help docs about Metadata. In some instances it refers to an "ArcGIS format", and in other instances it refers to the "Item Description style".

Are these terms interchangeable or is there is technical difference?

[Robert_LeClair]

So from the help - "ArcGIS format means - Only metadata in ArcGIS format is visible in catalog views, browse dialog boxes, item pop-ups, and map or layer properties. If you receive a stand-alone metadata document that contains standard-format metadata content, a message appears when you try to see its content in the details panel of a catalog view. The message indicates the format of the metadata document if it's recognized."

Looking at Item Description - the default - supports providing the information used by the ArcGIS Platform.  So yes, I think the terms are interchangeable.

[Craig_Eissler_Iceman]

Thanks, but hmmm, I don't know...

If you convert another standard/style (say, FGDC) into the ArcGIS format so
that you can view/edit/publish it, is it now in the Item Description style,
OR is it still in FGDC style, but in ArcGIS format..?