You talk about things that were happening in the past.

These things started and ended in the past.

Sometimes, you want to talk about something that was happening at the same time. You say:
 We were watching a movie when my sister called.
 They were playing soccer when it began to rain.
 I was walking home when I saw my friend, Terry.
Now you try! Talk to your friends about things that were happening in the past.

Subject + was/were + present participle (verb+ing)

You want to tell your friends stories about things that happened in the past. You know how to do it now!
You say:
 I was waiting for the bus when my brother saw me and gave me a ride.
 We were eating dinner when it started snowing.
 She was making a snack when her friends arrived.
Now you try! Tell your friends a story about something that happened in the past.