pressed the button. nothin.

Initially the dash lighted up and the car didnt start.

On second attempt the lights didn't go on as well. The car didnt start too.
Tried the key. doesnt start.

COuld it be just the battery?

 

Sure it could be the battery or other things.
When I worked as a tune up and driveability specialist I would often get cars that wouldn't start and would listen for the normal noises and would also crank the engine with the key and honk the horn at the same time. If it was a dead battery or related cable issue the horn would sound lame or skewed because of the low voltage in the battery. Then I would know it's a voltage issue. I would also add this test would be done because the car would be parked out in the service lot far from any test equipment.

In you case I would ask if there were any added security systems that may be at fault. Often those fail on the owner before the car is ever stolen. Try the horn it takes a lot of amperage and will sound different if the battery is an issue. Other subsystems turn off as the starter is being asked to run to assure full battery voltage for running the starter.
Could be much more for sure, starter and back to the key.

 

sounds like the battery is dead, not too fun to replace. Its under the passenger seat