What's the difference between communism and socialism and why is the US going socialist considering?

considering we fought against it for over 50 years up until the late 80's? All it does is keep people poor and the government powerful. For example in Venezuela people are not allowed to own more than one house or else it is a punishable crime, yet when Obama visited Hugo Chavez in Venezuela he kissed his ring. The gov now controls car companies, banks, mortgages and healthcare is next. Is this good?