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You can determine which of these categories you fall in by what type of lesions you have and how many total blemishes of each type. The three types of acne lesions are listed below with a brief description.

Papule - a small bumpy lesion caused by a plug of sebum (oily pus). More commonly known as a whitehead or blackhead pimple.

Pustule - starts off as a less severe papule but then becomes infected, swollen and red. Similar to a papule but with a large ring of redness surrounding the whitehead.

Nodule - The most severe type of acne vulgaris cyst. A nodule is usually deep, filled with pus, very painful to the touch, and can result in scarring of the skin if not treated by a dermatologist.
 

Mild Acne Vulgaris - Some whiteheads or blackheads (papules) and a few pustules (bacterially infected whitehead lesions).

Moderate Acne - Lots of papules (whitehead or blackhead pimples), and pustules, plus sometimes a deep painful cystic nodule or two.

Severe Acne Vulgaris - Many papules, pustules, and more than three or four deep cystic acne nodules. Scarring is possible with severe acne, so it's important to see a dermatologist for treatment.