Pages vs. Categories vs. Tags

I'm coming from blogger and I'm kinda stumped and amazed at how difficult this is.

I've finally figured out that tags one blogger = categories here....not sure what tags are here thought.

Here's my biggest issue. I'm tryign to make a blog that functions as a beadmaker's website.

Most of those have some chit chat on the front page with small pics which lead to categories with actual buy listings. I've figured out that each post can be a new buy listing but

1) How do I not make part or all of the buy items list on the home page?

2) is there a way to just make my chit chat only appear on the home page?

Thank you!