whats a debit and a credit...?

A DEBT is a liability. A DEBIT (and credit) is how the asset or liability balances are changed when money is placed into the account or taken from the account. It does depend upon which account we're working with.

A DEBT is a noun while debit and credit are verbs (action words)

Take this EXTREMELY simple accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities. Assets on left side of equation, liabilities on right side of equation. Also, remember that debits are on the left of the T-account and credits are on the right of the T-account.

These two important items may help you understand how to apply INCREASES in the balances of these assets and liabilities. Anytime you INCREASE an ASSET, it is a DEBIT. Assets on left side of equation, debit on left side of asset T-account. Anytime you INCREASE a LIABILITY, it is a CREDIT. Liabilities on right side of equation, credit on right side of T-account.

In bookkeeping terms, the word "debit" can be used both with asset accounts (credits) as well as liability accounts.

That's why it is confusing.

You can debit both asset (credit) accounts as well as liability accounts. When you debit an asset (credit) account (like a petty cash account) you remove money from it (you took money from petty cash).

When you debit a liability account (like a car loan) you lower the amount owed on the account (you make a loan payment).

Just remember that you can debit both a credit (asset) account or a liability account. It just means to reduce the amount of money "in" that account.

Debit means -

Credit means +

Checks I write are debits against my account

Deposits I make are credits in my account