Compare three statements: "I hope to take a pottery class this year," "I am going to look for a pottery class this weekend," and "I am attending the introductory session on Saturday; my place is booked." They describe different levels of commitment and preparation.
A hope expresses a desired outcome. An intention identifies something you plan to do. A confirmed arrangement includes practical details agreed or booked with another person or organization. In real speech, context matters, so do not assume one grammatical form always proves a booking exists.
Make the status explicit
Practice a conversation. Friend: "Are you joining the course?" You: "I would like to, but I have not checked the dates yet." Later, after booking, you can say, "Yes, I have booked the Saturday group." The change in status is clear.
If someone is making plans around yours, say what remains uncertain: "Please do not book travel for me yet; I am still checking the course schedule." That practical clarification is more useful than simply adding "maybe" to an otherwise definite statement.
Write three future ideas of your own and label them hope, intention, or arrangement. Add the next action needed for each unsettled idea. The exercise helps you discuss the future accurately without making a wish sound like a promise or an unconfirmed possibility sound like a completed reservation.