The long and short of it
 

Ok, dumb question time: Does "long pull" levers vs "short pull" levers refer to the lever travel, or to how much the cable gets pulled?

"Pull."

It refers to how much cable gets pulled for the same lever travel. Long pull levers have the cable anchor and pivot point further apart than short pull levers.

The red "plug" in this pic can be positioned so this brake can be used in either configuration.
Short pull is about 1" from pivot center to cable.
Long pull is about 1.7"
.https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...acf308f311.jpg

ummm, so how do I know what I have? or what I want/need?

gotta give more details
what are you doing-replacing levers? changing brake systems?

would like to help, but we aint mind readers (well, can only speak for myself)

What brakes and levers do you have now? As a guideline:

Cantilever, caliper and "road" mechanical disc brakes use short pull levers.

V-brakes and "MTB" mechanical disc brakes use long pull levers.

Some "shorty" V's use short pull levers.

Newer Shimano road levers (11-speed groups) use an intermediate pull lever but closer to long pull.

I was only asking for information. Both my bikes have hydraulic disc brakes.

I was saying that from the angle that you have to match up the lever types with the brakes, thats what I meant when responding to your question about "what I want/need"

I'm only (sort of) familiar with mechanical discs, and having to match up levers and brake types (road vs mtb)