While editing and even in everyday life, I've often seen and heard the terms "cemetery" and "graveyard" used interchangeably. However, all it took was a little curiosity and some research to discover that these two types of land, though generally dedicated to serving the same purpose, are actually distinctively different.
Cemetery
Cemeteries are large plots of land dedicated to burying the deceased. They're usually free-standing, meaning the only purpose of the entire area of land is for burial purposes. They are usually large in size, can accommodate many burials, and have an office on property to conduct business of cemetery. They usually feature paved pathways and driveways, mausoleums, and landscaped spaces manicured to be peaceful and appealing to the eye. Cemeteries are kept by employees who are hired to perform numerous tasks and are usually trained to complete specific types of jobs (such as gravediggers, landscapers, and even monumental masons).
Graveyard
Graveyards are usually much smaller than most cemeteries, but they are dedicated to the burial of the deceased as well. They are located adjacent to a church or other religious institution and primarily serve the members of that institution. There are usually footpaths instead paved pathways, and they are usually attended to by members of the church's congregation or persons hired by the church as groundskeepers.
Size and association are the distinct determinations between the two types of areas of land.