Originally Posted by Zer0

Factory Records was one of the pioneering indie labels, and Joy Division were one of its bands. So I guess you say they were one of the original indie bands and the term "indie" has been associated with them for a very long time.

They were not part of the goth scene back then because there was no goth scene back then. Gothic rock didn't manifest itself until the early 80's after Joy Division were gone. But you can definitely say that they were an influence on it through bands like The Sisters Of Mercy, who started off as a Joy Division clone.