During / While

The preposition "while" is used to represent the length of time an action has been happening.

"While" is used when speaking about 2 actions that are happing at the same time. The length of the action is not important.

"While" is used with a subject and a verb. While + something happened

1. While I was playing with my dog, my sister was doing her homework.
2. While we are playing cards, the radio was playing.
3. My mother doesn't like the T. V. on while we are eating dinner.

   During

   During is used to represent the length of time of an action that is while the action is happening. "During" is used with a noun/pronoun (or any other form of nouns).

   1. I will be really busy during the week.
   2. The kids were sleeping during the party.
   3. The lights went out during the storm.

   Examples

   1. ______ shepherds watched their flocks by night. (Famous Chistmas carol)
   2. ____ ancient times people simply painted inanimate objects, during the Renaissance the painting of "still life" developed as an accepted art form. (while + a verb phrase / during + a period noun phrase)