newbie question for sure. i know, i know but how am i supposed to learn w/o asking? okay i get the general differences, but could somebody go into a tad of detail please?

Go to the Current Designs website, cdkayak.com. Look under touring kayaks. They explain the differences reasonably well there. There are also several other categories of sea kayaks that you will not find there, such as unique designs like those of Warren Light Craft, and also designs influenced by people like John Winters (and, before him, L. Francis Herreshoff) that feature nearly plumb bows and sterns--boats by Epic, KayakPro, QCC, etc.

Good suggestion Strange Magic. I currently paddle a Hurricane Tampico 140S and love it here in South Florida. I'm a 60 year-old man in generally good shape, looking for a light weight kayak with a length and stability to handle day trips and overnights in ocean conditions with unpredictable tropical weather conditions. I fish and do nature photography. This boat meets all requirements with remarkable class. Prior to purchase, much of my initial research was catalog based. Our kayaks should be extensions of our bodies and spirits. Don't get too hung up on titles. Focus on the feel and rejoice in the freedom the right kayak brings.