The real problem with calling contact between arms a 'bridge' is that people tend to think once contact is made they should maintain it to then figure out how to cross there, not realizing it's not a bridge, but an obstacle. You can't cross there. You have to feel the opponent's energy, conform and redirect, which is all playing with the obstacle rather than seeking a real bridge, i.e. finding the open attacking line, often achieved by recycling the hand that was met with the obstacle and overcoming it with another line.

How about calling it a "point of reference" then.