Then you haven't learned much at all.
In a nutshell: In science, the word "ape" denotes
all animals belonging to the primate Superfamily Hominoidea
.
Here one can see that Gibbons are apes, (lesser apes), the orangutans are apes (great apes), Gorillas are apes (also great apes), Chimpanzees are apes (also great apes), and humans are apes (also great apes).
Now, what distinguishes human apes from our closest ape relative the chimps, or, why aren't we considered chimps, comes down to,
among other things,
Skull shape and capacity
And DNA (Too many differences)
But more importantly, why are we considered to be apes at all? Principally its because we share a lot in common, such as
very similar, although different DNA; erect posture and bipedal locomotion; high manual dexterity and heavy tool use compared to other animals; and a general trend toward larger, and more complex brains and societies. Furthermore, as one traces the evolution of humans back in time their physical characteristics, mainly skull features, begin to resemble those of the other apes more and more.
Whether or not you agree these characteristics warrant the inclusion of humans in the tribe Hominini along with the chimps, or in the subfamily Homininae with the gorillas, is immaterial. Scientists do, and it's why we who go along with science consider humans to be apes.
Now, if you want to continue to contend that humans aren't apes because of the word's unsavory connotations, or that in doing so it reinforces the evolutionary progress
Homo sapiens have undergone, Fine. Your choice obviously, but at least you've been made aware of why we non-creationists contend humans are apes. From here on out you have no reason to complain.
.