What is the difference between a transverse and a longitudinal wave?

A wave is a transfer of energy of particles. In the case of a transverse wave, the particles oscillate perpendicular to their direction of movement (i.e it looks like they are moving up and down) and in the case of a longitudinal wave, they oscillate along the direction of their movement (it looks like a spring). Examples for each are a light or other electromagnetic wave for transverse waves, or sound for longitudinal waves.