vs
QUICK ANSWER
Both "soñaba" and "soñé" are forms of "soñar", which is often translated as "to dream". Learn more about "soñar" below.
soñar()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to dream
La niña soñó que volaba entre las nubes.The girl dreamed that she was flying among the clouds.
a. to have nightmares about
No sabrás cuándo, ni dónde, pero tendré mi venganza. ¡Me vas a soñar!You won't know when, nor where, but I'll have my vengeance. You'll have nightmares about me!
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to imagine)
a. to dream
Sueño con tener una casa grande y mucho dinero.I dream of having a big house and lots of money.
Ella soñó con el actor famoso.She dreamed about the famous actor.