How does gravity keep the oceans, lakes etc.. contained?

Question

If gravity is able to keep the weight of the oceans contained how does that very same gravity not crush us, crush buildings, trees and so on? How is it able to distinguish between water and other masses?

Answer 1

Gravity is a force that doesn't distinguish between object but acts on all objects on the earth equally. The same force that keeps us on earth, instead of floating off into space, uses the same magnitude of force to press down on water in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

I think you may be thinking about the pressure associated at the bottom of an ocean. In this case, it is the same force but when you are at the bottom of an ocean, you have the entire volume of water above you pressing down on you.