It's not confusing. As said above, "Red maple" is a maple species (Acer Rubrum)native to North America. Acer palmatum is an Asian species of maple that has literally hundreds of varieties that have red leaves (and dissected leaves). Laceleaf and threadleaf JM varieties aren't used all that much for bonsai, as then tend to get sunburn and windburn because their leaves are thinner and have more surface area that can dry out. Here in Va. these maples tend to be crispy and brownish by the end of summer.