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The only way I've ever gauged if its real labor or not is if they are consistent, become closer together and progressively get worse its real labor. Sometimes they are true contractions but if they're sporadic and do not form a pattern its usually "practice" and not the real thing.

Sometimes it can be tough to tell. With my first I got a ton of Braxton Hicks for 5 weeks before he was born (every 2-3 minutes sometimes). I was totally effaced, but not dilated until labor with him. I'm pregnant with my second and started Braxton Hicks at 27 weeks. I was dilated at 31 weeks and put on bedrest for 6 weeks for preterm labor. I thought they were just Braxton Hicks, but they were dilating me. Now I'm 4cm and still get painful contractions, but I know they are "true labor" contractions yet. Normally you can't mistake them because they will be super painful and really crampy, lots of pelvic pressure, etc. It's different for everyone though. I agree with what Gloria said, but if you are worried about it you can ask your Dr. to check your cervix at your next appt. Although they wouldn't stop your labor at this point, so it might not matter. Normally they say you are in true labor and to go to the hospital when you can no longer talk through your contractions. Good luck!