Based on my own understanding, Cultural Catholics have been born into a culture or national heritage (say Mexican or Italian, for example) that is predominately Catholic. They often have reverence for Christ and the Blessed Mother, hang Rosary beads in their cars, keep statues of the saints, and cross themselves when they hear sirens or pass a cemetery.
These people are often good-hearted, well-intentioned people, but without true faith formation and adherence to all the moral teachings of the Church. They might go to Mass regularly, but still commit their favorite sins without any qualms. Or they might go once a year at Easter and feel truly penitent for a week or so … only to return to their lifestyle of choice afterward. Many of them harbor superstitions (which are always illicit) that connect somehow to Catholic beliefs.
Cultural Catholics can be Cafeteria Catholics, but are not necessarily so. Cafeteria Catholics tend to have an idea of the Church’s moral teaching, but reject the “harder” teachings. But Cultural Catholics may not even be educated enough in the faith to make a deliberate rejection of the law.
Hope this helps!
. They are shocked when they find out that I pratice my faith and also adhere to the teachings and doctrines of the church.