You might not like it, but free climbing (no scare quotes required) is a defined term. It means climbing without the aid of ropes, except for safety. (Climbing without ropes is usually called free solo.)

Aid climbing means using ropes as aid - you can pull yourself up on ropes (and associated tools).

Quibble about the details as much as you like, it is still the hardest multipitch, bigwall, free climb ever achieved.