Different Ways to Say "Hometown" I have encountered both 老家 and 家乡 for referring to one's hometown.  What are the differences?  That is: When should each one be used?  When should one or the other be avoided?  When can they both be used interchangeably?

EDIT: The terms 故乡 and 祖籍 (or 籍贯), meaning home of my ancestors, have been introduced as additional ways to express the same idea. [ Question title updated. ]
To me, either of 老家, 家乡, or 故乡 gives similar meaning, any of one doesn't not necessarily mean the home that I'm living in currently, nor other implications. Context can determine the implied meaning. All of them can be used as written expression, and also can be heard often. 故乡 seems to be the most formal among these three.

Another one, 祖籍 (or 籍贯), is quite definite: home of my ancestor, usually being a different one from my current home.