Hi,
Assume that you have 2 metals layers available, let's say M1 and M2.
You have 3 solutions to route your design:
1: M1 bi directional and M2 bi directional (looks lije a 2-sided PCB !)
2: M1H and M2V : it means that M1 path will be ONLY horizontal and M2 paths only vertical, with vias at interconnections. To connect 2 points, several segment of M1 and M2 may be necessary.
3: M1V and M2H : it means that M1 path will be ONLY vertical and M2 paths only horizontal, with vias at interconnections, idem
This is very used in hierarchical analog design and in digital : when you integrate a sub-cell in a larger design, you know what metal to use according to the position of point to join.