do i need cellular data on to receive text messages

SMS messages, no; iMessages, yes.

SMS (short messaging system) messages are sent/received through your cellular carrier. iMessages are sent/received over Apple's servers.

Hi BarbaraAnnie. Are you using an iPad? An iPad cannot send/receive SMS by itself, even with cellular data. It has to relay them through an iPhone.

The Messages app on your iPhone works with both the iMessage and SMS/MMS texting services. iMessage can work over Wi-Fi or cellular. SMS/MMS only works over cellular.

MMS messages require cellular data. SMS messages do not (SMS uses the voice channel, not data). iMessages require data, either cellular or WiFi.