Объясните, пожалуйста грамматику :) 
Какая разница между went и was going, к примеру, в таком предложении:
It's great that you went/was going to the party? И здесь ведь правильный вариант went?

И между has taken и took, к примеру:
It has taken/took place in th cafe.

И между played и had played:
We played/had played bowling.

Между were dancing и danced:
Than we were dancing/danced.