Let's clarify the basic grammar ... (1) 'gone' is an adjective, describing the fact that someone (or something) is no longer in a certain location. "You were gone" describes the person's absence in the past, "You are gone" describes their absence in the present. Examples: > "I called your house this morning, but your mom said you were gone." [You were not there THEN, at that time.] > Text message: "I just got to your house, but I see that you are gone." [You are not here NOW.] (2) 'went' is the past tense of the the verb 'go', so it is not a word that you should confuse with 'gone' -- different parts of speech, different usage. Examples: > "I called your house this morning, but your mom said you went out." > Text message: "I went to your house, but you were already gone."

you were gone means you went somewhere but then came back again like going to the shops. you went means where you travelled to e.g you went to the concert. you are gone means you are gone for good and that you are gone never to return where as you were gone just means you were away for a while.