In following the thread in newsgroups, I found that the purists differentiate between 'whining' and 'whinging'....here is one analysis

Whining comes from the verb to whine DEF:1. to utter a prolonged high plaintive cry, as in pain, complaint, or fear. DEF:2. to complain or protest in a peevish, irritating manner. DEF:3 To complain or protest in a childish fashion.

Whinging comes from the verb to whinge Def: To complain or protest, especially in an annoying or persistent manner. [Dialectal alteration of Middle English whinsen]

In my (British) experience the first is in common English use, the second is also in common use but has a more negative connotation because of its use (insultingly) by (stereotype-macho) australians to refer to complaining (stereotype-complaining-but-take-no-action) British immigrants/visitors. As used in the term 'whinging poms'.