As I understand it, "white oak" (as does "red oak") refers to a general class of oaks, having the classic oak leaf shape but distinguished by the lobes being rounded. Red oak leaves have pointy lobes.

This is a very general guide. If you want to get into it further, since there are hundreds of varieties, check out a tree identification book from the library. There are quite a few good ones such as the Audubon Society books.

google "white oak leaves" and "red oak leaves" to see the difference.