What's the difference between being closeted and down low?

I'm not sure an exact definition exists, just self-interpretations. My interpretation of the terms would be that when you're in the closet, your sexuality is not common knowledge, you attempt to hide it and don't express it publicly or you could also still be in complete denial, whereas on the down low to me means that you're not attempting to hide it, you know who you are and if someone asks, you may actually consider telling them, however you still like your privacy so you're not going out and telling everyone but are at least attempting to live the lifestyle. That's my non-scientific opinion.

 

Interesting questions, @thexboxguy. Thanks for posting them.

"Down-low is an African-American slang term specifically used within the African-American community that typically refers to a sexual subculture of Black men who usually identify as heterosexual but actively seek sexual encounters and relations with other men, practice gay cruising, and frequently adopt a specific hip-hop attire during these activities. They generally avoid disclosing their same-sex sexual activities, even if they have female sexual partner(s), they are married to a woman, or they are single."

The rest of the article is worth reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down-low_(sexual_slang)