There are many ways to distinguish the different states of matter. First, does the substance have a defined shape or volume? If it has both, the substance is in a solid state, but if it does not have a defined shape or volume, then the substance in a gaseous state. The substance may also be liquid, having a defined volume but not a defined shape. You can also distinguish matter by the way it moves. With solids, the particles vibrate slightly, but with liquids, the particles flow freely. In a gas substance, the particles move freely. The distance between the particles in the matter may also distinguish it. Solids have very compact particles; liquids have a little more room around the particles, while gasses have spread out particles. Finally, the temperature of a substance may help distinguish it. Every substance has a melting point, boiling point, and a freezing point. If you know what the matter is and these points, you can determine what state it is with a thermometer.
1) The distance between particles
2) The way the particles move
3) The temperature of a given substance
4) A definite or variable shape
5) A definite or variable volume
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