This is a really good question. While people will give the normal comparison between past tense and present perfect, itâs not that simple.
I meet my friend and he has a broken arm. It happened in the past and it is still relevant now. So some will say it should be âWhat has happened?â
However, it is much more natural to ask âWhat happened (to you)?
I think this is because âhappenedâ relates to a very specific point in the past.
I happened to see him. Means I saw him without out arranging it.
I have happened to see him. Not correct at all.