What is an early contraction?

I am getting totally confused. Labour is such an imprecise science. I don't know what to expect, don't know what to feel...

baby, can you just give Mummy clearer signs??

Let's look at the series of events:

• leaking some fluid that's not ammniotic fluid
• "the bloody show" with 1 contraction that has a bit of pain (was that even a contraction?)
• Many tightening contractions with no pain

What's up man??!!