Maggie's Farm

There is a meaningful distinction, but there doesn't HAVE to be one all the time.
Opinions often inform attitude. I have an opinion about a person, and it will inform my attitude about that person.

In other words, if my experience with someone is they are loyal, sincere, honest and reliable, then my attitude will tend to be positive and lead me to act the same way - creating a self-reinforcing virtuous cycle (in all likelihood).

Similarly, attitudes can inform opinions. If I happen to meet someone during a bad day, and the meeting doesn't generally go well, my opinion will be crafted in a larger context of "bad day" leading to, potentially, "bad person".

Either situation may be difficult to change.

But generally, the distinction is pretty meaningful and usually with things you don't have regular interaction with.

I have an opinion about Progressives, in a general sense, and it informs my attitude about them when I see them on the news. But when I see my friends who are Progressives, the attitude will change because my opinion is informed by personal experience and knowledge of who they are.

I have had many of them say "You say nasty things about Progressives, but I am one. Don't you think that bothers me?" I say "No. Because if you're crafting your view of yourself entirely on the basis of your political views, then you have tunnel vision and a poor sense of self. If what I say is untrue or somehow 'wrong' - then educate me. If you realize it's true, then there's a larger conversation that probably has to take place within yourself."