From the bit of research I have obtained from old books and technical manuals about hand planes.
BLOCK PLANE - This term was basically unknown until metal planes came into existance,and they were at first considered specialty planes for use by the cabinet maker.
Planes smaller than a conventional SMOOTH PLANE, were just refered to as SMALL SMOOTHERS.
I believe the term BLOCK PLANE comes from an old reference that stated that a Plane was just a Block with a Chisel inserted in it to control the depth of cut.
SMOOTH PLANE - The Smallest of the Planes, generally used for the final Smooth finish, and usually from 7 to 9 inches in length. Blade sharpened straight across with corners slightly rounded and normally set very fine for the thinnest shavings.
JACK PLANE - The most commonly used Plane, with the blade sharpened with a 1/16 or more camber to the blade for rough use and set Rank to remove lots of material quickly. Lengths were from 14 to 17 inches in length.
BENCH PLANE- A JACK PLANE with the blade sharpened straight across with the corners rounded usually set a little Rank and used for general work at the bench.
FORE PLANE - A later modification of a TRYING PLANE, with the blade sharpened with a 1/32 camber. Used after the JACK PLANE to smooth out the rougher surface left by the Jack and to remove some of the high spots when surfacing a board. Length was usually from 19 to 23 inches. I believe the name comes from the fact that it was used BEFORE the TRYING PLANE.
TRYING PLANE also TRUEING PLANE - A plane usually between 22 and 26 inches used mainly for the final leveling of a rough board to remove the grooves left from the previous Plane and to prepare the surface for the final smoothing with the SMOOTH PLANE. The name I believe comes from the fact that it was used for trying or trueing a surface.
PANEL PLANE - The longest of the hand planes, sharpened straight across with non rounded corners, used for shooting or trueing the edges of a Panel, and for preparing edges for glueing together. Usually set rather fine and from 28 inches to 36 inches in length.
JOINTER PLANE - A later name for a Panel plane and when made in iron greatly reduced in length.
(note) - COOPERS PLANE OR COOPERS JOINTER - Used by wet and dry Coopers to prepare the edges of barrel staves, is the forerunner of the modern day Electric powered Jointer.
Jr.