I once heard a story of two men who had both visited a certain river. In a discussion between the two, the first man said that he saw the river full, while the second man said that it was dry. After much argument they decided to go back to the place and ask the locals. The locals said they were both right, as they saw the river at different times of the year.
Words cause problems in the same manner. If we regard words as the actual objects instead of mere labels, then we are indeed creating problems for ourselves. Two people may hold the same view, yet think they believe differently simply because they use different words. Alternatively, two people may hold conflicting views yet will believe they share the same view because of similar words.
This latter case is all too common these days. People want to believe they share the same view as others, to avoid friction. For example, traditional Christians and Buddhists will often refuse to recognize their fundamental and irreconcilable differences on the basis that both traditions use the word "compassion" - which they take to mean that both traditions are essentially the same. Such thinking is below reproach.