I guess I disagree in that I think there are distinct differences between "self-supported", "loaded", and "supported" touring.

To me, self-supported is just that. You carry everything you need to ride multiple days/nights without any additional support (you are supported only by yourself) of any kind except having to buy groceries occasionally (not restaurants, even though they be be utilized so long as you could still cook). Loaded touring is the same except at least one component of being self-supported, i.e. I camp but don't cook, or I am credit card touring but carrying my clothes, etc. as I am by myself. Supported touring is something where all all your gear except items needed during the actual riding (flat kit, snack, camera, etc.) is carried/taken care of by someone else. Something like many of the cross-state rides like RAGBRAI, GOBA, FreeWheel, etc. would fall into this category.

I have done all types and consider all to be "touring". But what exactly is "touring"?