You highlighted an issue in all of mainstream media's use of the term "hacking". They are extremely liberal with their use. It's very tongue-in-cheek to claim

You highlighted an issue in all of mainstream media's use of the term "hacking". They are extremely liberal with their use. It's very tongue-in-cheek to claim an organization has been hacked because someone(s) launched a DDoS. It's like someone claiming they perform their own auto repairs, but in actuality all they do is fill the windshield fluid and replace their air filter.