a loan is money you borrow from somebody or a bank, and then you pay them back the money they let you borrow. It basically works like this, say you have no money and you need gas in your car or you need to buy groceries. You either ask someone or go to bank and ask them for how much you need. They give it to you, you just have to pay them back. FYI... the best place to get a loan is the bank. Hoped this help.