Soft magic - this is a magic system where there isn’t much in the way of rules for magic. It can be shaped how the wielder wishes. For example, in Lord of the Rings by Tolkein, Gandalf uses a soft magic system.
Hard magic - this is magic with more rules in place. There is a specific theory for how magic works, as well as defined prices and rewards for using magic. Overall, there is more of a structure to it. For example, in the Kane Chronicals by Rick Riordan, Carter and Sadie Kane use a hard magic system.
Genre:
High fantasy: This takes place on another world than our own, and frequently (but not always) includes fictional creatures. Magic exists in this world.
Low fantasy: This takes place in our world, but where magic definitely exists.
Dark fantasy: This can be any type of fantasy, and it includes darker thematic elements. It is a more subjective term, and is therefore harder to consistantly define.
Portal fantasy: This takes place in another world in which there is magic, and that world is accessed through a portal. The starting point is our world, where there is no magic.
Magical realism: This takes place in our world, either in the present day, or in the past. Is there magic? Is there no magic? We do not quite know.
So watching Dinosaur King with the kiddos and I’m sitting there thinking this reminds me of Pokémon and Digimon with dinosaurs. Well now I know why. Because I thought Ursula and Jessie sounded exactly the same and Laura sounds just like Misty. That’s because Rachael Lillis does the voice for all four.