What does 'cathode-row' mean?
If you think of a matrix of LEDs (8*8) having rows and columns, where all the cathodes are linked in a row and all the anodes are linked in a column. 
This range of ICs will drive such a matrix with no other components (apart from a microprocessor etc.). 
I realise that the the terminology of rows vs columns is arbitrary.
The terminology exists to help to understand which pins to connect up, the pictures shown and also how to send data.