I wouldn't worry too much about terminology here.
The generic term used (vortex generator, or VG) is quite descriptive. The shed vortex (very similar to a minature wingtip vortex) is used for a variety of purposes - to stir up the down chord boundary layer - especially to delay boundary flow reversal and main flow separation, restrict spanwise flow tendencies on swept wings, etc.
If you look at high performance fighters you see the use of vortex flow taken to extremes. The FA18, for instance, uses the wing leading edge extensions (the slender delta bits which run up either side of the fuselage) to shed vortices at high alpha which flow past the vertical fins to provide impressive high alpha manoeuvre capability. The aerodynamics are a bit different to those of a simple VG, but the end result (ie a shed vortex interaction with downstream flow) is much the same.
This industry loves jargon .. vortilon is just another term for a specific style of VG installation. Those of us with simple minds tend to call them all VGs.
[ 01 January 2002: Message edited by: john_tullamarine ]</p>