Behind the scenes they are just pointers.
which is exactly what this stack overflow article will tell you
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi-i7j89pb5AhUhiOYKHTpSBp0QFnoECAQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstackoverflow.com%2Fquestions%2F3954764%2Fhow-are-references-implemented-internally&usg=AOvVaw0hhU3hj1O4dA9xdDsAzVKM
// ! So don't let anyone fool you.