Count values that are assigned a specific category

Hi, I've just joined and am a bit of a novice so hoping to learn lots from this forum. Please bear with me!
I've got a list of transactions and I've created an additional column to assigned each one to a specific category (eg. groceries, entertainment, etc). I'd like to create a summary spreadsheet that will count the values in each category within a specific date range if possible (ie. groceries for January). I've tried inserting functions but none seem to be working for me as I'm sure I'm doing the wrong thing. Can anyone help please?

Hi rbalrich,

Can you attach a spreadsheet (without sensitive info) for us to look at? Also, type in results samples for us to work with.

Thanks,
Dennis

Hi Dennis - thanks for your reply.
I've attached some data (deidentified descriptions) which represents how my spreadsheet looks. I'm trying to populate the orange cells in the 'summary' worksheet with formulas that will automatically track my spending habits. Hope you can help!
Many thanks,
Rachel

Thanks Dennis - great idea! I have used them once in the past but didn't think of them. I think that will provide a perfect solution. Thanks again - I appreciate your help
Kind regards
Rachel