Unfortunately, without any process of "certification" within the trans-community - people often discover a bit of "mislabeling" within our little world. Why does this happen? First, gals are pretty much left to their own devices to describe the type of t-girl they are. Additionally, some are as confused as the layperson on exactly where they "really stand" early on in this process.
Additional Chapters in This Section Include:
Understanding Transgenderism
Do You Already Know a Crossdresser?
What's Up with all these different labels?
Important Terminology in the Transgender Community
Additional Slangs and Terminology
Problems Associated with Transgender Labels
Transgender Happiness
Telling Your Friends You're Transgender
Crossdressing in Public
Making Transgender Friends
Your Evolution as a Transgender Lady
Finding Happiness in a Dress
Additionally, certain beginner trans-girls will classify themselves as a “transsexual" just to garner attention. It's really not surprising: these are part-time gals still living as men who identify with their trans-girl status from a purely sexual plane. We all know what happens when one mixes sexual desire with anything "male" - it lies! LOL 
The harm caused by this action is toward gals who have worked so very hard in getting people to understand that transsexuality is not based upon “sex" - but rather - gender identity. People with an erotic agenda who classify themselves as "TS" - do little to help this cause. If you are one of these people? Please keep this potential damage in mind: it sucks!
There exist a variety of psychological tests which "classify" gals by category. However, it's been my experience these evaluations are a "bit dated" - relative to the current explosion of growth within the t-world. I could very easily double the size of the list of definitions regarding trans-gals with more exacting descriptions - and means of therapy - and I'm far from an expert.
I suspect we'll see much better methods of analysis and counseling for successfully melding a trans-life in the years ahead.