Are Scientometrics, Informetrics, and Bibliometrics different?

Bibliometrics, scientometrics, and informetrics (also called the three metrics) differ in subject background but are the same in theories, methods, technologies, and applications. Analyzing their current situation and relationships can help comprehensively understand the three fields. In this study, we collect the data of the three metrics through keyword search in 2007-2016. We also compare and visualize the three metrics in terms of the distribution of publications and cooperation (recognition level), the main research topics (intellectual structure), and the reference situation (knowledge communication). Results show that the three metrics differ in the degrees of utilization and recognition but are similar in the general direction. We recommend the addition of bibliometrics in the title of the International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics.