Does Spanish use gerund form in words as learning, reading and beginning?

Im spanish and, when you talk spanish, i mean to spanish people in a normal situation it doesnt really matter if you use Esta empezando a llover o Empieza a llover,we dont really make any real distinction :) Its like sayin It is starting to rain or It starts to rain, everyone understands ir the same way :) About the rules i can't really help you, sorry :D