​How do you write scenes that feel alive instead of just describing events?

Lately I’ve been noticing something in my own writing. When I draft scenes, they often feel like I’m just explaining what happens rather than letting the reader experience it.

For example, I’ll write something like “they argued for a while and then left,” but when I read other writers’ work the scenes feel much more alive like you’re actually there in the moment.

I know part of it is dialogue and sensory details, but sometimes when I try to add those things it just makes the scene feel longer, not necessarily better.

How do you approach writing scenes that feel vivid and engaging instead of just summarizing events?

Do you focus more on character reactions, dialogue, setting details, or something else?

I’d love to hear how other writers think about this.