[avocadoLife]

I've heard this rule of thumb:

If it is supposed to be a meaningful link - be it internal or external - use a direct anchor element with an href. Styling it however you like shouldn't hurt.

Otherwise, for any other interactions use a <button> element

[vidyesh]

Me too! And I been following this for as long as I remember. iirc, Digital A11Y too recommends that.