From the example you've given, I'd say you were semi-lucid. It's like acknowledging that you're dreaming in the back of your mind, but you're not lucid enough to really consciously accept it and break away from the dream plot. I've had a few of these, so you just have to work on more awareness during the times you reality check. Really look around and consider the fact that you could be dreaming.

Once you have a full LD, you'll wonder how you didn't know you were dreaming before you became lucid. This is the same principle you have to cultivate in real life. You could be dreaming at any moment.

Anyways, it sounds like you're on the right track.