Learn English – “There appears to be” or “There appear to be” followed by “a couple discrepancies”

There is a semantic difference between look/appear and seem:

One should use look or appear when describing an observable condition - e.g.: Rhonda looks sad - the example implies that there is some observable state or behavior that supports the statement (Rhonda may have tears rolling down her cheeks, for example).

One should use seem to describe a perceived condition - e.g.: Rhonda seems sad - the example implies that the person making the statement has a perception regarding the condition of the subject.

As a native English speaker, I feel they have different implicit meanings. Without knowing the context, this is how I interpret them:

• I'm going straight home after work. How about you?

  I'm going straight home after work, which I assume you are also doing, would you like to accompany me as far as it is possible to travel together? Or, can I give you a lift?

• I'm going straight home after work. What about you?

  I am going straight home after work. You are not invited to join me, and I am not interested in doing anything with you, but I expect you will not be going straight home and I am curious where you are going instead.

John Lawler put it excellently in his comment above: "'What about you?' requests a statement about you in general, while 'How about you?' requests a response about your manner, means, or condition."