cushioning - "feel" and "responsiveness"

[beachfestivus]

what do people mean when they say they can "feel" the cushioning?  like they CAN or CAN'T feel the zoom; what does that mean?

or the cushioning IS or ISN'T responsive.  what does that mean?

I've played in multiple shoes that people say CAN or CAN'T, and IS or ISN'T, and I don't feel a difference.  the only difference I can really feel in a shoe is the fit.  can someone help me to understand?