I have a squishy soft lump on my anus. from researching, it sounds like hemorrhoids but could also be anal warts. how can i tell which?

It's more likely: to be a hemorrhoid, as you mentioned. A wart would be a little firmer and not "squishy". You should consult a physician for evaluation and management of this, in case it needs to be treated medically. Sometimes medications work, but other times hemorrhoids require a simple surgical procedure.

Appearance: Hemorrhoids have a purple/bluish/reddish fleshy lumpy appearance. They can be hard and painful if they are thrombosed or clotted. Anal warts are more often small flesh-colored lumps or the larger ones look more like cauliflower type growths.