A 'container' is a group or a component-definition [it's also an image BUT that is not relevant here].
The 'container' contains a separate entities 'context', compared to the model's entities context.
So putting geometry into a 'container' separates it from its original context's geometry.
A 'container' can also include other 'containers - aka 'nested' groups or components.
Note that groups, component-definitions and even images are all 'definitions' as far as SketchUp is concerned.
All such 'containers' can be assigned to layers to control their visibility...
Images are a special case - a single face with a 'hidden' textured-material.
Don't fret about those at the moment.
A group is a unique collection of objects, copy it and edit the copy and it's not linked to the original at all.
If you delete a group then it's gone.
However, it's a useful way of separating/collecting objects.
A component-definition is displayed in the model as component-instances - it is a collection of objects - copy it or place another instance and they are all related.
Edit one instance and all other instances change to match.
This is a powerful tool.
However, if you want to split-off an instance the make_unique tool does that...