Be going to vs present

continuous
comparison
We can use both present continuous and 'going to' in past and future form to talk
about plans or arrangements. 
The main difference between present continuous and 'going to' in past and future is in
their time factors. 
Present continuous refers to actions and events happening at this moment, and 'going to'
can refer to both past and future.

• I am visiting my mother this weekend. 
 Here, we are talking about a future plan that is preplanned.

• I am going to visit my mother this weekend. 
 Here, we talk about preplanned action that will soon be fulfilled.

• I was going to visit my mother this weekend. 
 Here, we are referring to an action that planned to happen but somehow it failed to occur
We use present continuous to refer to ongoing actions from the present.
These actions are in progress right now and at the moment of speaking.
• I am studying grammar. 
•  Here, we are referring to an action happening right now and at this
moment.

• We use the past and future forms of 'going to' to talk about predictions

Past form refers to events that were predicted to happen in the past.
• It is sunny. I thought it was going to rain
• Future form refers to a prediction in the future that we know for sure will
happen.
• It is so cloudy. It is going to rain soon.
When we want to talk about events that are about to happen or started
happening, we use future form of 'going to.’
• She is going to fail this test
• Not she is failing

When we want to talk about a series of repeated actions or events, we

use present continuous tense with 'always' 'forever,' constantly.’
• They are constantly complaining about everything
• Not they are going to compalin