Distance Between Points and Circle Position Analysis

In the coordinate plane, the circle defined by the equation

$$ (x - 4)^2 + (y + 1)^2 = 49 $$

is given. If point A is $(2, 1)$ and point B is $(6, -1)$, find the distance between points A and B. Furthermore, determine whether point A is inside, on, or outside the circle.