It’s nice to see Jerricho in his element, isn't it? Well-said, buddy!
The FAA’s 7210.56C defines both “Operational Error” and “Operational Deviation” (see below). In my experience, when I hear somebody use the informal term “deal,” I assume there has been an Operational Error. I don’t recall hearing it applied to Operational Deviations.
a. Operational Error: An occurrence attributable to an element of the air traffic system in which:
(1) Less than the applicable separation minima results between two or more aircraft, or between an aircraft and terrain or obstacles (e.g., operations below minimum vectoring altitude (MVA); equipment / personnel on runways), as required by FAA Order 7110.65 or other national directive; or
(2) An aircraft lands or departs on a runway closed to aircraft operations after receiving air traffic authorization.
(3) An aircraft lands or departs on a runway closed to aircraft operations, at an uncontrolled airport and it was determined that a NOTAM regarding the runway closure was not issued to the pilot as required.
b. Operational Deviation: An occurrence attributable to an element of the air traffic system in which applicable separation minima as referenced in paragraph 5-1-1a, Operational Error was maintained, but:
(1) Less than the applicable separation minima existed between an aircraft and adjacent airspace without prior approval; or
(2) An aircraft penetrated airspace that was delegated to another position of operation or another facility without prior coordination and approval; or
(3) An aircraft penetrated airspace that was delegated to another position of operation or another facility at an altitude or route contrary to the altitude or route requested and approved in direct coordination or as specified in a letter of agreement (LOA), pre-coordination, or internal procedure; or
(4) An aircraft is either positioned and/or routed contrary to that which was coordinated individually or; as specified in a LOA/directive between positions of operation in either the same or a different facility; or
(5) An aircraft, vehicle, equipment, or personnel encroached upon a landing area that was delegated to another position of operation without prior coordination and approval.
Dave