Braxton hicks contractions

Jasmine

35 weeks 5days (my first was born at this gestation now having my second)

Can anyone tell me the difference between braxton hicks and real contractions, this is my second child but I’ve had braxton hicks 3 times in the last week they were irregular times and all, but when should I go to the hospital they last for at least 2 hours and my partner has just gone back to work night shift which is when I generally get them.