Did you get a 1099R? I don't think you can take loans from a IRA. Only a 401K
No, it is not considered a distribution unless you default on the loan. Then it would be considered a distribution.
Technically you cannot take a loan from an IRA. What you can do is take a distribution and pay it back within 60 days. In that case you have just rolled it over and there is no tax or penalty. But if you miss the 60 day deadline it is a distribution and subject to tax and penalty unless you meet one of the exceptions.
I expect you mean "exceptions" here. The exceptions only apply to the early distribution penalties.
Any money taken from an IRA is *always* a distribution. You are allowed to roll that distribution back to (or to another qualified retirement account) within 60 days, but only one time in a year. That is NOT a loan, it is a 60 day rollover.
Depending on the type of IRA, Roth of Traditional, a distribution may or may not be taxable.
You can always withdraw your own prior contribution from a Roth IRA tax and penalty free only withdrawing earnings is subject to tax an penalty.
You can take up to $10,000 penalty free from either type of IRA for educational expenses. (That is for the additional 10% early distribution penalty if under age 59 1/2 only, not any normal tax on the distribution.)