EXACTLY! Most informed Catholics separate the terms "Roman Catholic" and "Catholic." Technically, Roman Catholic refers to those individuals who practice the Latin Rite of worship. As opposed to those who practice one of the Eastern Rites, such as the Byzantine, Maronite, Melkite, Chaldean, Ruthenian, Syro-Malobar, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Coptic, etc.
While the term "Catholic" does clearly mean universal, as you rightly point out. Therefore, ALL Christians are members of the Church Catholic (Church Universal).
A practical example of this is that the Roman Catholic Church prohibits a married presbyterate. That is not a dogmatic distinction.
' That is reformed churchs are NOT the church..
I don't know many informed Catholics who would make that statement (see above). I don't know many informed Catholics who would say that the reformed communities are "churches," though. The distinction comes that (at least most) reformed communities do not have a valid apostolic succession. That is literally the only reason why a distinction is drawn. But that has nothing to do with whether the members of those communities are members of the Church Catholic (Universal). They may not be in communion with the Bishop of Rome, but that does not mean that they are not members of the Universal Church, the Body of Christ.
My perception is that you understand the Catholic Church to be a denomination (unless you are speaking of some sort of "invisible church"). The scriptural, historic reality is that the Catholic Church is the universal Church. You or your group may not be in communion with the hierarchy of that Church, you may not respect the teaching authority of the bishops of that Church (either eastern, western, in communion with Rome, out of communion with Rome), you may disrespect each and every council or synod of that Church, to include the First Council of Nicea and the Council of Jerusalem. You can say they went off the tracks before the apostles died and that your group has only since (fill in the date) restored the truth. But unless you reject the writings of St. Paul as being divinely inspired, you have got to recognize his unambiguous writings that there is ONE body of Christ. Christ is preparing ONE bride for the Royal Wedding Feast.
And that is the Universal (Catholic) Church.
And like it or not, if you accept the teachings of Christ, even if you reject ALL that you consider to be "papist" or "roman" or whatever, you are a member of that Body. To reject being a member of that Body is to reject Christ.
If you consider that insulting or abusive, so be it. I've tried to say it as charitably as I possibly can.
I don't.... Christian is another nebulous term..
As is church.. Church is a term that means called out ones.. Called out of what?.. Some say "the World".. but John ch 10 say's called out of the Sheep Pen(s).. and much more..