In order to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, you must first befriend the reptilian creature.
Approach it as you would a lost brother or sister - introduce yourself, make small talk, and begin to know and understand its interests and hobbies. As your friendship blossoms, enjoy the rich splendors of the relationship. Go out for ice cream, share a bowl of Ramen noodles, binge-watch the entirety of THE X-FILES, even the episodes without Fox Mulder.
As the years progress, you will begin to discover that what was once just a casual friendship has blossomed into something more. Something deeper. Something approaching love. One night, as you work on a jigsaw puzzle together, you caress the cheek of the unknown reptile species. That initial touch leads to a more sustained physical night shared together - a tussle of sheets and breathless promises. In the morning, as the sunlight awakens you and your reptilian friend, you understand that friendship has become love - a deep-undying love that you never wish to separate from.
From there it is all a whirlwind of wedding planning which becomes the nuptials themselves which leads to a honeymoon which leads to a child together which leads to a life rich and deep and more fulfilling than you could ever imagine. But even as deep a love as you and this unknown reptilian creature can enjoy, there is no escaping the eventual truth that finds us all - death.
One day your reptilian spouse is riding their bike through downtown Brooklyn, listening to the Goo Goo Dolls on its headphones when it is suddenly struck by a bus. You get a call from the hospital and rush over to put your worst fears to rest. But fears are not meant to rest. Fears are there for a reason. Your spouse is dying. With only precious moments left together, you clutch your reptilian lover's claw and look deep into its eyes. It is at this moment where you must ask yourself the question that has haunted over your entire life - as you say your farewells to your soulmate, do you feel compelled to say "See you in a while?" or do you feel obliged to say "See you later?"
It is only at this moment that you will truly know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.