It's been over a year since I flew a CRJ700 but IME anything larger than your personal item was valet checked, which is different from gate checked. Gate check typically means you get your bag back at your final destination at baggage claim, while valet check means you pick up your bag airside when your flight lands. OTOH, what the OP describes sounds like a gate check because typically with valet check you get a tag then leave your bag somewhere on the jetway.