"The first decentralized cryptocurrency to be created was bitcoin in 2009."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CryptocurrencyI took this to mean that Bitcoins is a cryptocurrency. If this information is erroneous, I will certainly amend it. Thanks again.
No, you got it correct the first time. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency.
And I would even amplify what Franky1 said above - trying to explain anything about mining to newbies is a fools' errand that can only end in confusion and heartbreak.