1995 Chevy Beretta headlights & dashboard lights

Hello All -

Drivng home last night & going down a dark road - I noticed my headlights & dashboard lights went out. Plus, here's the kicker my gas tank is 1/4 full & it shot up to full?

My lights automatically come on when I relese the brakes, so w/a 1995 vehicle I was lucky that there was a knob when you turn the inside lights on that temporary turned the headlights & dashboard lights on.

But here's the question - What the hell happened & where should I start looking for the issue?

Much Appreciated :-)
Sharon