Sally - I was one of those people who thought I was in labour when BH contractions were coming pretty regularly one night (thankfully didn't call the hospital so didn't need to feel embarrassed! LOL) but a few days later real labour started and the contractions started out feeling more or less the same as the BH.
The difference is that real labour contractions will get progressively stronger and closer together and will not go away if you start moving/walking around. BH contractions might be 5 minutes apart for a few then 7 then 5 etc etc. They are not regular and don't get closer and stronger and usually go away if you start walking or doing something.

HTH. Good luck for your birth!!