Braxton Hicks Vs. Real Labor

Hello everyone. I was wondering how long does Braxton Hicks contractions last exactly. Can it last just as long as real labor or only a few minutes or is it different every time? I was trying to debate whether or not I was in labor or could it be another false alarm. For the past two hours I have been having contractions lasting 3-5 sometimes 3-8 minutes apart lasting a minute long. I've had a false alarm like this before and it turned out to be Braxton Hicks but what if this time or maybe the next time it's a different story. Braxton hicks can mimic real contractions but will not last long so I was wondering if anyone experienced something similar. Yes it is very painful/uncomfortable. I've tried changing positions but the pain is still there :(  I feel as though it is real labor but I do not want to get my hopes up. I do not want to go in and be sent home right away. Thank you in advanced.