Can someone give a very simple guide on how atoms bond (GCSE level)?

Question

and what are ions?

Answer 1

Atoms bond in pairs of electrons, one from each atom. 2 electrons = 1 bond. also, atoms with multiple electrons can form double or triple bonds.

An ion is any atom that is charged, by a lack of or excess electrons.

Answer 2

There are two main types of bonds and one psuedo bond.
Covalent bonds are when atoms "share" and electron between the two, helping to provide an electron to fill a vacent electron orbital.

Ionic bonds are bonds that form because of strong opposite charges, these are salts and when salts go into water for example they break apart forming ions.
for eample NaCl (table salt) goes into water and the Na+ and Cl- ionize and seperate within the water, breaking the ionic bond.

hydrogen bonds are pseudo bonds which is a different story all together.