Braxton Hicks and such

This might be a stupid question, but my first babe is on the way. I’ve never been pregnant before so I don’t really know what anything feels like or when I should ever be concerned. I’m 22 weeks as of today and I haven’t gone to the emergency room yet or now labor and delivery. Are Braxton Hicks just a tight feeling in your stomach for a few seconds without pain? Are real contractions the menstrual like cramps? I ask because my stomach has been tightening quite a bit in the last hour or so, but it’s not painful. I’m the type to not want to make a big deal about anything. I’m really just not sure if I should be worried or not? Sorry if it’s a stupid question I just really don’t know.