Liking anime and being an otaku were two different things, right?

Enjoying anime and being an otaku were two different things. Otakus usually referred to people who had a strong interest in 2D culture, games, and animation. They liked to express their feelings and fantasies through 2D media. People who liked to watch anime were those who had a strong interest in anime works and liked to watch anime for entertainment and relaxation. Although there might be some similarities between watching anime and being an otaku, they were not exactly the same concept.