I'm confused about data on iPhone 5?

Verizon sent me a text saying I used 75% of my data. What exactly is data? How is it consumed? How can i not use so much data to avoid charges? Is Data like music, apps.etc. I want to know what EXACT things consumes my data on my phone. And any other data tips.

Internet access…

It means your 3G, 4G or whatever you have. When you've used 100% of your data, they will either stop it until you pay for more, or they will charge you a significant amount of money for using it when your plan has ran out.

It means that you've used your internet 3G/4G. Using apps like Facebook, Twitter or any apps that require internet access will use up data unless your on Wi-Fi. To use less data, turn on Wi-Fi instead when you're at home.

Data is internet use via 3G/4G.

Consumed when you access the net using 3G/4G.

Monitor and or limit your internet use to Wi-Fi only.

If the music is on the phone itself, no that's not data use. If being streamed, then yes. If the app requires internet access then yes.

There are plenty of data monitoring apps available in the App Store. Verizon may have their own app that does that.