Those are all different forms of the same verb. As you learn japanese you will see which one is useful for what. Taberu is a dictionary form and is used in informal coversation, tabemasu is polite form of the verb taberu which you use while talking with older ones or with your boss/professor and so on.. tabete is a -te form which is useful for so many things. For the beginning: http://www.learn-japanese-adventure.com/japanese-verbs-te-form.html Ganbatte kudasai! :)