Is a hint a clue?

I'm curious, can we consider a hint to be a clue? When we're trying to solve a puzzle or decipher a mystery, a hint often seems to point us in the right direction. But is it really a clue, or just a suggestion that might or might not lead us to the answer? On the other hand, a clue typically seems to contain more definitive information that helps us make progress towards the solution. So, is there a clear distinction between a hint and a clue, or are they interchangeable terms? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.