What is a reel?

I wrote something today that might fit the definition of "reel"--but hey, I'm not exactly sure...

It sounds halfway Irish, and a bit like the Southern Harmony songs I've heard as well--oh, who knows?

Anyway, I do know a real reel that I can play. Now I need to learn the "Sweets of May," 'cause:

He played a reel, and he played a jig--he played the Sweets of May

Saro