We can usually distinguish them. If it's twinkling then its a star.
If it's not twinkling then it's a planet, unless it's a star that's very high in the sky.
Tonight on September 4th, 2010, the bright object you see in the eastern sky is likely the planet Jupiter. Jupiter is one of the brightest objects in the night sky and is often visible to the naked eye.
Ah, the bright object you're likely seeing in the night sky could very well be the mighty planet Jupiter! Jupiter's radiance brings beauty and wonder to the evening tapestry above, shining brightly and reminding us of the vastness and grandeur of the universe around us. Simply take a moment to appreciate its glow, filling your heart with joy and tranquility.
Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky after the moon. Its thick clouds reflect sunlight very well, making it appear very bright and visible to the naked eye.
The sun
The bright object you see directly above the moon tonight could likely be the planet Jupiter, as it is currently visible in the night sky and is one of the brightest celestial objects. Jupiter is known for its brightness and can often be seen near the moon in the night sky.
The planet Venus. It is often the third brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon. It is referred to as the morning or evening star (though its not a star).
The bright light in the eastern sky at night in southern Oregon is likely the planet Venus. Venus is the third-brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon, and it is often visible in the morning or evening.
Jupiter (late September 2009)
The moon is the natural satellite of Earth, visible in the sky at night as a bright or crescent-shaped object. It orbits the Earth and reflects light from the sun.
It could be Mars, as it is commonly visible as a bright reddish object in the night sky and can sometimes appear near the Moon. Another possibility is a red planet or star that is particularly bright and close to the Moon from our perspective on Earth.
Jupiter does not produce its own light, but it reflects light from the sun. Due to its distance from the sun, Jupiter appears as a bright object in the night sky when viewed from Earth. It is not a source of light itself.
First off were are you located? In the wide open country or inside a city? Lots of air traffic? It can be alot of things, plains, satellites, a planet, or any number of things.