Using “Looks/Seems/SOUNDS” Meaning is 〜そう

When you can see the topic of discussion, you can only use the word “look/s” or “seem/s”.

そのケーキおいしそう！　- “That cake looks delicious!” “That cake seems delicious!”

疲れているようですね。 - “You seem tired.” “You look tired.”

When you cannot see the topic of discussion, you can only use the word “seems” or “sounds”.

その町は危険らしい。危なそうね？　― “I heard that town isn’t safe. Seems dangerous, right?” “I heard that town isn’t safe. Sounds dangerous, right?”