How do you know if you’re dilating

RS • Baby girl born August 2019👶🏻 💕 Baby #2 Oct 2021 ✨

How does it feel when we dilate before labor actually starts, I’m about 36 wks and have had mild/moderate cramping for about 3/4 days now, FTM so I have no idea what anything is supposed to feel like lol thanks in advance ☺️