What are the two bright stars?

Congratulations! You have correctly identified Venus and Jupiter. Take a look at them with binoculars or a small telescope. Venus will look like a tiny gibbous Moon and Jupiter will be accompanied by up to four tiny moons of its own. Now get up early in the Morning and go looking for Mars and Saturn.

Venus is indeed in the western sky in the evening at the moment, and today Jupiter is close the Moon. Both Venus and Jupiter are always brighter than any actual star (other than the Sun). So you're probably right.

Yes I know what you have been talking about. Thos two stars are indeed Jupiter and Venus. The first "star" to set Is Venus and the last you see is Jupiter.

You are absolutely correct. I am surprised that an old sea dog like you would have to ask about the stars, but you knew anyway, didn't you?

As an enthusiastic aviation buff and as a pilot (currently not flying) who loved night flying, I should also know which planets are where without consulting any web sites, but I don't follow these day to day, so I am in the same boat (but not a destroyer) as you.

I like this web site for a good reference on evening stars. http://earthsky.org/tonight

I enjoyed your question.

Yes, you are correct in both accounts. Didn’t I tell you both of these yesterday when you asked what the light by the moon was.

the sun and lady gaga are both bright stars