Nature spirits versus hidden folk

In mythology and folklore, there is an oft-vague distinction between hidden folk and nature spirits/deities. The hidden folk are much like humans in the way they live, but they typically live in secret places far from humans—sometimes in a fairyland like Jinnistan. Nature gods do not live anything like humans and typically play some vital role in maintaining the natural world—such as bringing the rain. The distinction between them can blur, especially since many myths and folktales may have been more metaphorical than literal.