is there any difference btw simple past & past tense ??
I think no 

Dear Student, 

There are 4 types of past tense verbs :

1. Simple Past
2. Past Continuous Tense
3. Past Perfect Tense
4. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

So, the simple past tense is a type of past tense. Further information about the chapter is available on our website.

https://www.meritnation.com/cbse-class-8/english/english-grammar/tenses/studymaterial/10_7_33_449_1566

Please go through it.

Regards,