Nuclear missiles are normally hypersonic, so it seems like the difference is that these are cruise missiles and not ballistic missiles?
Ballistic missiles usually are, cruise missiles usually are not; both can be nuclear (or not).
> so it seems like the difference is that these are cruise missiles and not ballistic missiles?
The combination of nuclear, hypersonic, and cruise is what is significant, yes.
Its relatively easy to build a rocket carrying both fuel and oxygen and make it go hypersonic. Using oxidiser from air gives it unique range and maneuverability capabilities.