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@Smallfurry
Track frames tend to have a shorter wheel base, a higher bottom bracket, a steeper seat tube, and a shorter top tube.
This gives the rider an aggressive position, and the bike very sharp, responsive handling. something which is often considered less ideal for longer journeys.
Road bikes have a lower BB (adds stability) and a slacker seat tube angle, and more stable handling. Although the agressiveness of the handling/riding position varies greatly.
Sportive/audax etc are basically the same as road frames but with braze-ons as BluQuin mentioned and often a slightly longer wheel base, and taller head tube, for a more relaxed riding position, and an easier stable ride.
Cyclo cross frames, are basically road frames with higher BBs (for off-road clearance), canti brake mounts and clearance for bigger tyres.
I ride a track (well trackish) frame for fun and a cyclocross frame for commuting. Both have high BBs, both fit me perfectly, but the track frame leans me forward more, and the cross frame feels more stable.
The difference is pretty big so I'd advise that you read around, and decide what you atributes you want before splasshing out.
http://www.avaghon.nl/download/Naloop_Bikestability-Forkrake.pdf
(Disclaimer: this post contains loads of generlisations, tough poopoo)