How do I know if a dream is just a dream or if it has a meaning or message?

Look at the symbols. Can you put them into context with anything going on in your life? Does it seem as though it is trying to tell you something-prophetic? Or does it seem like mixed chaos, playing back tidbits of the previous day?

I sometimes google dream interpretations of random symbols that stand out in my dream to see if there is any significance to it that can be put into context with something going on in my life or with myself.

I think that many dreams these days are guidance, especially if one is spiritually inclined; but they are mostly symbolic, and the symbolism relates specifically to the individual, so that interpretation "by the book" is frequently not useful.

You really have to develop a skill at "testing your truth" or "what is true for you" - by pendulum or muscle-testing or tarot cards or runes - something in that nature, and then study your dream and nut out the interpretation, testing each concept you get as you go along, as to whether or not it is correct. If you can do it, I believe its worhwhile; but its quite a business to do.

Its useful (crucial) that you keep a dream journal and note your dreams in as much detail as possible IMMEDIATELY upon waking, so nothing remembered is lost. Then you can delve into interpreting it at leisure.

Most dreams are reflections of our own lives, but it is up to you to decifer them unfortunately.

Only the dreamer can know. Keep a "dream log" ,some times dreams go in cycles or stretches and you get a variety of perspectives for a theme or point . Then, you can look back over it to extract what it means for you. Dreams are' from you' in a broader view of your inner life, 'for you ' to understand what you are all about.