This work presents an observer-based framework for interpreting the search for Earth-like exoplanets within the context of Return Theory (RT). Rather than defining Earth-likeness as a fixed physical state determined by mass, orbit, or temperature, the framework treats it as an emergent observational structure arising from time projection, limited observer access, and long-baseline temporal coherence. A set of explicitly observational and falsifiable criteria is derived, allowing Earth-like behavior to be identified through projected temporal stability, phase coherence, atmospheric return behavior, and multi-band narrative consistency. These criteria are formulated for direct application to current and near-future exoplanet datasets, without requiring prior acceptance of RT as a cosmological model. The framework reframes classical habitability metrics as observational outcomes rather than intrinsic properties and extends naturally to signal-based searches (SETI), interpreted as tests of persistent temporal structure rather than semantic content. The validity of the framework is determined solely by empirical consistency and observational falsifiability.