The phrase “We Were On A Break” doesn’t make sense

So the whole reason why Ross and Rachel broke up was due to a misunderstanding. After getting into an argument, Rachel suggests taking a break. A break in a relationship usually means that a couple spend some time apart so they can each have space, focus on their own needs, and other stuff before reassessing the relationship. However, because she phrased it so dramatically, Ross misinterpreted the suggestion as Rachel breaking up with him. This and a few other things that I’m sure you all remember eventually lead to him getting drunk and sleeping with Chloe.

One thing that has always confused me is the infamous phrase “We Were On A Break” that Ross repeatedly used. Rachel is the one who suggested the break and assumed that’s what they were doing. However, Ross believed that they were broken up. So why is Ross the one saying that they were on a break while Rachel says that they weren’t? I feel like it would’ve made more sense if Ross’ phrase was “We Were BROKEN UP!!”