If I understand this correctly, a balanced cable will have TRS ("Tip, Ring Sleve") 1/4" plugs, (often called "stereo plugs"), while an unbalanced cable will employ TS "mono" 1/4" plugs. The TRS equipped cable can be used both as a balanced mono cable and as an unbalanced stereo cable. The critical difference is between audio cable and speaker cables, and one should NEVER swap these as you could wind up with a noisy instrument and/or a damaged amp.
Bill, tgo