Here are examples: Question: How is Peter? Answer: He's doing better than before. He broke his leg, but it is healing now. His health is improving. Question: What is Peter like? Answer: He's smart and funny, and he's a really outgoing guy. He is good with animals and he likes to cook. I can't wait to introduce you to each other! The first one is asking about his health, and assumes you know him. The second one is asking about his general character, and assumes you don't know him yet or don't know him well.

How is Peter? = ¿Como está Peter? How is Peter like? = ¿Como es Peter? I agree w watskeburt´s explanation

How is Peter? ---> How is he doing, what is his mood, is he happy, mad, ... It's to indicate a temporary state What is Peter like? ---> How is Peter in general: His caracter, his appearance, his tastes, ... It's to indicate what is permanent, how Peter always is in life.

how is equal to como es what is equal to que es

Hello Ruben , How is Peter ? means how is Peter doing ? Asking about him and what is up with him regarding any matter like his work ,health ,family etc ,usually the listener will know from the context of the conversation .It is like asking any one " How are you ?" in that case one doesn't ask about something in specific, but about one's general state of being . That is a way to understand the statement. From your question "How is Peter? would rather mean asking about his characteristic features , such as how is Peter , is he kind or rude ? as compared with " What is Peter like ?" both would give the same meaning " What is Peter like ? Is he calm or rude ?"