Question 1 "what is it like?" simply asks for characteristics about the object, while question 2 "what does it look like" asks for the object's appearance. I could respond to question 1 with "my dog is well behaved" or "an all electric car is like the RC cars you played with growing up, but more powerful". These are characteristics you couldn't see. So these answers only fit with question 1. If something "looks like" something else, then it has a similar appearance. Maybe it's the same color, maybe it's the same size, whatever.

With so much respect this is my idea, any correction appreciated. *what is s.b/s.th like? -> something you say to ask someone to DESCRIBE someone or something: (in general) Example: You've met Jane's new girlfriend, haven't you? What's she like? *When you ask "What does IT look like?" With using phrasal verb (LOOK LIKE) you are waiting for information about similarity (/ies) & compare IT with s.th. else in shape or appearances. Regards

1. Asking about personality traits, mainly. (e.g. It is a great dog. / He is a really nice person. / ...) 2. Asking about physical traits, mainly (e.g. He is tall and slim).

If you ask "what is it like?" you're asking someone to describe something using any adjectives that will describe it, not just its appearance, for example A: "what's it like?" B: "it's easy, fun to use, and cheap." If you ask "what does it look like?" you're just asking someone to describe the appearance of something: A: "what does it look like? " B: "it's small, red, and round"

If you ask "what is it like?" you're asking someone to describe something using any adjectives that will describe it, not just its appearance, for example A: "what's it like?" B: "it's easy, fun to use, and cheap." If you ask "what does it look like?" you're just asking someone to describe the appearance of something: A: "what does it look like? " B: "it's small, red, and round"