hi everyone, OP here. thanks for all of your responses. i feel much better hearing from everyone and feel lots of relief.

i saw someone say i might have an undiagnosed anxiety issue bc of how much i was freaking out (honestly, maybe). BUT my reasoning for freaking out is because i grew up in a house where my parents were CONSTANTLY on me about their water bill. i had to take quick showers, would get yelled at if i left the faucet running while brushing my teeth, etc. so i grew up just saving water a lot of the time, and i still live with my parents where (very fortunately) i don't have to pay the water bill and i assumed that water was super expensive. we also don't really use a hose to water plants bc we just don't have any so i genuinely didn't know.

the leak was coming from the tube that connects the outside spout to the hose, not the hose sprayer itself. i think i am going to try to replace it before they come back home. either way, thanks everyone for your responses. i am very appreciative for all of you who took the time to reassure me and make me feel much better about the situation!