Is there any practical or technical difference b/w savings and chequing accounts presently, or in the past?

I realise that in the past, savings accounts were associated with higher interest rates, and limits on the withdrawal of funds. I also know that in terms of National Income Accounting, chequing accounts are part of a narrower definition of the money supply, which would exclude savings accounts. I'm just wondering if presently, or in the past, there are any technical differences between the two account types other than in a NIA perspective, and if there are currently any major practical differences.

Given that neither would, nowadays, accrue very much interest.

Those same conditions still apply
Checking account - unlimited transactions in and out, and lower interest rate
Savings account - limited transactions in and out, and higher savings rate

This might also change from bank to bank, since BOA has a checking account with higher balance requirement, which gives more interest than Savings

The differences are in the contract which you enter into when you open either a saving or chequing account. The terms and conditions are not the same. For example a savings account will not allow you to draw funds by cheque, will give you a prescribed rate of interest, usually at the banks discretion and may require you to maintain a minimum account balance. The chequing account, on the other hand, will permit you to draw money by cheque, may charge you for the 'privilege' and have other complusory charges such as returned cheque charges. Chequing accounts may also allow you to maintain an overdraft.