Mine were definitely like period pain. They were in my lower abdomen, low back, hips, and upper thighs. I did recognize them for what they were right away, but then, I never really had much "false labour". The one time I did have false labour (DD3) I could tell the difference - somehow actual labour feels like a working pain. Can't really describe the difference, but I knew when the real thing came! I found it to be a real "achey" pain, deep in the muscles and bones, sort of.
I have had relatively fast, hard labour (7 hours, 7 hours, and 2 hours) so I do find it pretty painful and overwhelming, but I know it's something I can do, and you just keep in mind that each contraction has an end, and you'll get a little break, and labour isn't going to last forever. Each one brings your baby closer. Relax and breathe your way through it to the best of your ability.

Hope its coming really soon now for you Alibaby.