As if I weren't confused enough already
Hello,
I hope you are doing well.
Deviations are caused when people try to create mischief in the religion. They innovate by introducing new matters in to faith or removing well established practices. This is the result of succumbing to their personal desires and giving preference to their own personal opinions rather than following what has sound basis from the Holy Quran and Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him).
For a muslim to be able to identify deviated sects, he/she should strive to learn as much as possible about Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and Aqeedah (Creed). As these contain the fundamental of the faith, deviation in these matters lead ones to oppose what Allah Almighty has revealed to mankind and at times even commit the heinous crime Shirk (associate partners with Allah).
Also, once should understand that sticking firmly to the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is the correct and accurate way of practicing Islam.
I would encourage you to read the threads of the following subsection of this forum :-
Fundamental Beliefs in Islam Tawheed and Aqeedah
May Allah Almighty protect us all from deviation and keep us firm on the straight path. Ameen