extremely dumb fill flash question

Such a stupid newbie question, but Ill ask it anyway. When refering to "fill flash" what is the exact definition? Does it mean that the flash is directly pointed at the subject, or does it mean it is bounced? or both? Because when I use fill flash I usually bounce or use a white index card to have some catch light in the eyes. Direct flash just washes out and overexposed the subject.
Thanks again

I bounce inside if the ceilings are low enough. Direct flash outdoors to get rid of shadows. I dial down the EV on the flash 1/3-2 stops depending on lighting. Here is a link that might explain it better then I could.

http://photonotes.org/​articles/eos-flash/index.html

Generally speaking, "fill flash" refers to using flash to suplement available light. Both the ambient light and the flash contribute to the exposure. This is opposed to using flash as the main or only light source, which is often the case in relatively dark indoor environments.

Fill flash is most often used outdoors to "fill" the shadow areas created by direct sunlight, or to illuminate a shaded subject with a sunny background. Sometimes fill flash can be used indoors, if there is enough ambient light to contribute to the exposure at reasonable shutter speeds.

Indoor fill flash can be direct or bounced. Outdoors, direct flash is usually the only viable option.

The effects of fill flash should be subtle, such that a layman looking at the image would not realize flash was used at all. If you're getting washed-out subjects when using fill flash, dialing in some negative FEC is usually the appropriate remedy.

thanks so much for the link, Ill be reading for a while!!