Markets move in three ways: up, down, or sideways. Reading which one you are in is half the battle, because most mistakes come from fighting the trend.
An uptrend makes higher highs and higher lows: each push up goes further, and each dip stops higher than the last. A downtrend is the mirror: lower highs and lower lows.
When price stops making new highs or lows and moves flat, that is a range. Ranges are common and are where accumulation often happens.
Key takeaway
Uptrend = higher highs and higher lows. Downtrend = lower highs and lower lows. No pattern = a range.
Tip. Trade with the trend until it clearly breaks. Do not guess the top or bottom.