Please take note I am new to quilting but this is how I understand ironing verse pressing a seam
Ironing tells me to iron fabric to smooth out wrinkles, pressing seams means after you sew seam you press either open or towards the dark side of the fabric. When I press I am careful not to stretch fabric by making circles or going back and forth on fabric but gently steam press it. Enjoy quilting and hopefully someone else on this board can give their thoughts