You're right, I definitely over simplified. PT is a little bit stronger than non-PT, and I'm used to calling anything that isn't normal wood "PT" in the field.
Pressure-treated wood has a very specific pattern and color. It's usually substantially greener or browner depending on the treatment. And there will be small cuts on the surface of the wood in a regular checker pattern. The pressure treatment just injects the preservative deeper into the wood.
It's different from glue-lams or engineered joists, which are just regular old wood that's been glued together.
