Circumstances, situation, conditions

[jcdoss]

事情 じじょう circumstances; consideration; conditions; situation; reasons
条件 じょうけん condition; conditions; term; terms; requirement; requirements
情況 じょうきょう state of affairs (around you); situation; circumstances

I'm trying to learn basic vocabulary at smart.fm, which has been largely successful but occasionally there's a roadblock. I haven't been able to get past this one yet. The above three words are giving me fits. They all seem to mean the same thing, and I'm having a heck of a time separating them mentally.

Could anyone please help strengthen my understanding?

[NileCat]

事情（じじょう）　　Love Story / complex relationship between lovers
条件（じょうけん）　Documentary / concerning contracts
状況（じょうきょう）Crime Story / describing a crime scene

Those were what I came up with instantly.
Hope it helps.

EDIT: Thank you two_heads !

[jcdoss]

That helps me quite a bit, Nile Cat.

Arigatou gozaimasu!

[coco]

事情 じじょう circumstances; consideration; conditions; situation; reasons
条件 じょうけん condition; conditions; term; terms; requirement; requirements
情況 じょうきょう state of affairs (around you); situation; circumstances

They all seem to mean the same thing,

事情 is also used as "a reason" or "a cause" which causes the current state.

このお支払いが清算できないご事情がおありでしたら、ご連絡ください。 [T]
If you have any reasons for not clearing this payment, please let us know.

こういう事情ですから、残念ながら、せっかくのご招待をお受けいたしかねるのです。 [T]
As such is the case, I am sorry I can't accept your kind invitation.

条件 is used as "a stipulation" or "a precondition" when you promise something or decide something.　A "condition" usage as "something demanded as an essential part of an agreement". So 条件 can be negotiable or alterable.　

価格を下げてくだされば条件に同意します。 [T]
I'll agree to the terms if you lower the price.

契約条件によれば、お支払いの期限は５月３１日でした。 [T]
According to the terms of the contract, your payment was due on May 31st.

状況 is used as a state/situation rather than "a reason" or "a precondition".

状況がさらに悪化するのではないかと心配しています。 [T]
I am afraid of the situation getting worse.

今日の政治状況はそれほど安定していない。 [T]
The current political situation is not very stable.

　

[jcdoss]

Thanks, coco... I think your examples and explanations made the differences crystal-clear!