It's only considered compensation if it's earned income. In other words, if you pay FICA taxes on it.
A rough list (off the top, not researched) would be:
Considered Compensation:
Wages, salaries, tips
SE Income
Business Income
Farm Income (Maybe-unsure)
Not compensation:
Interest
Dividends
Tax Refunds
Captial Gains
IRA/401K/Pension Distributions
Real Estate Income
Social Security
Alimony