confused

so how come i always see post like oh you'll know the difference between a real contraction & braxton hicks . but when i read these birth stories some women just thought they was having braxton hicks but it ended up to be real contractions. like how would i know ? 🙄 i had period like cramps . is that braxton hicks or contractions. . even if they're bearable but get 5 in a hour should i go to hospital ?/