Hello, fellow chess enthusiasts! I don't understand the 8.Qxh5+ or xa8=Q or Bc2#. I don't get it. I've used it, but I'm not sure I used it correctly. Please help!

+ denotes a check

xa8=Q  means pawn  takes on a8 and promotes to queen

# is checkmate

 ++ is double check

Try doing an internet search for "Chess notation". You'll easily find it explained step by step.

Those things I put there were just examples I found around the site. I don't understand much at all!

Searching helped a LOT. THANKS!