What do contractions actually feel like?

Ftm here so excuse the daft questions..

but what do early contractions feel like?

I’m having few tightenings along with a period period pain. Theyre not unbearable, seem to pass after about 30ish seconds and there is no pattern to them! I’m just wondering if they classed as a contraction or not.

Plus had my sweep today so super hoping this could be the start of something x