Hello! Let me join to your discussion. A time ago I’ve solved this difficulty for myself, using the information from the site of an experienced trader http://www.masterforex-v.su.
Here is the definition from his book
"Trend is a directed movement of prices between two reversal patterns in opposite directions. The price movement on the trend is zigzag-like – the rollback wave follows each impulse wave. This balance between the impulse and the correction indicates the trend direction."
Here is a link to the entire chapter of the book
http://www.masterforex-v.su/002_000_01.htm
Looks like I am to study reversal patterns. And do you mean classical reversal patterns or you use your own patterns?