Can't get "Type Mask Tool" to work

I'm a newbie to the program and have been able to understand how to use all the tools so far EXCEPT the Type Mask Tool. The Product Help in the Adobe Help Center is very brief and vague. I searched all the online avenues and didn't see my problem addressed.
With my photo as the background layer, I created a new layer and did a New Fill Layer / Gradient. I then used the Type Mask Tool to create some text I wanted to cut out of the gradient layer to paste onto a new layer. I can type the outlined text on the gradient layer but that's it. I can't get it to separate the text from the rest of the layer. If I switch to the photo (background) layer, the outline text is there too and it will cut out the text from the photo/background. But I don't want it affecting the photo/ background layer.
Does the type mask tool only work on the background layer? I tried gradient, solid color, and pattern filled layers and result was the same: I could type the type mask text but it had no effect on those layers, only on the background layer. The Product Help (as vague as it is) doesn't say it only works on the background layer. I'm obviously using the tool wrong, but can't figure out how to use correctly following the limited Product Help explanation for the tool. Can someone give a more thorough explanation of what the tool can and can not do and how to use it? Thanks!

Scott,
You can use the Type Mask on an adjustment/fill layer's layer mask... you just need to fill the selection or the area outside the selection with the appropriate gray-shade to give the degree of transparency/opacity you want.
For a simple example, if you have a background layer, and a gradient fill layer over it, and have selected the gradient fill's layer mask - when you use the type mask, once you have the marching-ants marquee, fill the selection with black to allow the background to show through the gradient in the shape of the text mask. Or, invert the selection and then fill with black to hide all of the gradient fill except the text shape.
While this may seem more complicated at first, a bit of practice will demonstrate that the added flexibility is well worth the time it takes to understand the concept.
HTH,
Byron

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