Create two references to the same variable: int x = 0; int& ref1 = x; int& ref2 = x;. Now increment through different names: x++; ref1++; ref2++;. Print x. You'll see that x equals 3.
All three names refer to the same memory location. Incrementing any of them increments the others because they're not separate variables, they're aliases. This example clarifies what references do.
They don't create copies or new storage. They give you multiple ways to refer to the same memory. This understanding prevents confusion when you see references in function parameters.