Tables vs Columns: Which to use when?

Both tables and columns can display information side-by-side in Microsoft Word. But which is better, and in which contexts? I show you some examples, plus one tricky aspect of columns you'll want to be careful of.
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[@SaviourV]

My vote's on tables.
Way back when I was working for an aviation engineering training centre, after dealing with so much errant formatting, I redid every last module with my own personal form of formatting, including the use of tables instead of columns, as well as using the late Shauna Kelly's notes on creating numbered headings (may God rest the soul of that wise Word MVP).
There's less chance of messing up with tables, as opposed to column and section breaks.

[@jamespaul4618]

Thanks. very useful information.

[@kimfalsey5678]

I had been using columns and understand the formatting nightmare when accidentally deleting a section break. If I use the tables rather than columns and the boss goes in and plays around with the document then I am sure that I will get it back in the correct format. You just turned me into a tables fan :)

[@DeborahSavadra]

Ah - I converted someone to tables! I feel vindicated! ;-)

[@Annie-io6wc]

I'm totally a table user - I use them for everything to keep info looking professional.

[@DeborahSavadra]

Totally agree!

[@dawnwagner7883]

tables!

[@DeborahSavadra]

Yes!

[@michellerobnett8024]

Definitely tables -- columns are too confusing!

[@DeborahSavadra]

Oh, I agree!