Re:How to figure out which star you are looking at (Score 1)

These days, the brightest thing in the evening sky to the south-south-east is the planet Jupiter (get a pair of binoculars, at least 50mm, and you'll be able to see the disc and tell that it's not a star... maybe even make out some of the four Gallilean moons).

It could be one of a couple of other stars, but I'd put money on your bright "star" being Jupiter.