"Classical" is but one era in the history of Western Art Music.
However, most people, associate the term "Classical" with all Western Art Music.
Musical Eras (in a nutshell):
Medieval
Renaissance
Baroque
Classical
Romantic
20th Century and beyond!
Sacred
Secular
Anon
Counterpoint
Troubadour
Gregorian Chant (and its characteristic)
Monophonic
Church Modes
Ionian
Aeolian
"Rebirth"
Technological Advances make music more accessible.
Shift in harmonic structure, texture, and instrumentation.
Secular Compositions v. Sacred Compositions
Language no longer restricted to Latin
Music as a class/status symbol
Virtuosos v. amateur musicians