If ATC uses the term "Cleared for approach" and/or gave you a clearance
limit, using the term "Cleared" then yes, you were operating under IFR.
The actual term IFR isn't usually used on the radio much, (they rarely
say anything like "Cleared IFR...") If you were "cleared for approach"
then you violated the regulations for operating under IFR without the
appropriate rating and without currency.

When doing IFR training under VFR, ATC will use the term, "Practice
approach approved", which is the VFR equivalent to "cleared approach",
that lets' you know that you are still under VFR. It usually sounds
like this after being identified...

"Citation 98Q, turn right heading 090, descend and maintain 4500 until
established, practice approach approved ILS 30C. Maintain VFR"


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