I can't tell if i'm having hunger pangs or stomach cramps. how do i tell the difference?

Eat something...: If you have hunger pangs, put something in your stomach. Generally when you feel hungry, you will feel it in your upper abdomen. Choose something easy to digest like toast, rice, applesauce, clear soup, jello, or a banana. If there is no improvement, then you need to be evaluated for other possible reasons for belly pain.

Timing: The timing with regard to food ingestion will give you the answer. If it is relieved in up to about half an hour after eating or having a snack it is most likely caused by hunger.