So is it true

[tiffcheese]

that the modes are a way to describe the notes someone is playing while soloing? or is it more to describe how chords and scales are put together? or neither or both. if the first is true, is it common to switch around to different mode(s) in one song's jam? thanks

[Chuckles]

It may be true... Then again, it may just be a rumor.

[600lbsofSin]

It may be true... Then again, it may just be a rumor.

that made me chuckle

I would say that either of your descriptions are plausible. You could a) Create different moods or feeling of tension and release within a jam or b) Establish harmonic and melodic relationships between chords, scale degrees and even other keys, and so on.

Try playing a progression that places a lot of emphasis on the V, so for instance, something in the key of G that has a lot of Dmaj or D7 in it. Now you can add melodic phrases or "solo" with the progression, in D Mixolydian. Its the same notes as the key of G, but its emphasizing the feeling of the V (which is really just a major scale with flatted seventh).

[Rusty the Scoob]

A mode is just a scale. You can do anything with it that you can do with any other scale: build melodies, construct chords, etc.

[ugly rumor]

An ugly rumor, indeed! (the best kind!!)