there are no dumb questions

Is a protein shake a drink or a meal ?, does it count  as 1 of the 8 cups of water?

Well, it's definitely a meal.  I don't see why you can't count the oz of the milk or water you use preparing it.  That's my thought anyway.

I was told it was both. Count the protein towards your protein goal for the day and the water towards your liquid intake for the day! 2 birds with 1 stone!

I've been using protein shakes since 2008.  Protein drinks like Chike are considered a meal replacement.   It is higer in calories, vitamins, etc.  Protein drinks lower in calories, etc. are more like a supplement.  Either way the liquid counts towards water intake.  Early out any protein drink will probably be a meal since we usually can't consume much.  Now I use just one a day to get to my protein requirement.  I will not use them once I am able to consume enough protein in solid food.