i think of the spinning as hp because the hp is torque applied fast
But, torque is a number. Turning a crank 360 degrees will produce x amount of torque. If you make the crank arm longer, it will produce more torque.
Horsepower is/was the amount of work one horse could accomplish over a certain distance (iirc). But, what size horse? A thoroughbred or a Clydesdale? Iow, it's not a real figure, or at least it's relative to the horse. In cycling, we're talking about humanpower. That too is specific to an individual. Some simply have more hp than others, whether they're spinning or grinding. In any case, the (max) amount of hp is fixed.
If a 360 turn of the crank isn't a good example, how about making work = to moving the bike one meter (on any incline). Torque can be measured by the amount of force needs to be applied to the crank. If the crank is longer, it will be able to apply more torque. With a long enough lever, it would take almost no force to produce the same amount of torque.
A rusted bolt will require more torque to loosen. The longer the lever, the less force needed. If you have a torque wrench for a car, it'll be relatively long. The readings will be in Newtons or foot/pounds.