Is our country really in a Recession??

Recession - A period of general economic decline.

That is the definition according to Google. But are we really in a recession?? I have yet to see it. Everyone is complaining about money, but every place you go to is packed. Last Saturday we went to IHOP, and not only couldnt we find a parking, but there were more than 30 people waiting for a table and the restaurant was packed. Everywhere you go its the same thing. You go to the movies and its packed, you go to a store or the supermarket and they are packed. Then can somebody explain to me what a recession is??