'Ser' is used for: Descriptions, Occupations, Characteristics, Time, Origins and Relationships'Estar' is used for: emotions, physical or mental conditions, locations, positions and actions In general, 'ser' is used to describe things that are relatively permanent, such as describing appearance, nationality and characteristics of a person. Meanwhile 'estar' describes relatively temporary states. For example, actions that are happening in the moment and temporary emotions (not to be confused with characteristics). The obvious exception to this is location when talking about e.g rooms in a house.Other exceptions include: When describing where an event is held, 'ser' is used. Also, when describing how food tastes, 'estar' is used.