Here's why:

* Stars are always there: Stars are massive balls of hot gas that emit their own light. They are constantly visible in the night sky, even when the moon is out.

* The moon doesn't have its own light: The moon reflects light from the sun, which is why we see it. It doesn't have any light sources of its own.

* Perspective can be deceiving: From our vantage point on Earth, stars and the moon appear very close together. However, they are actually incredibly far apart.

Other possibilities:

While stars are the most likely explanation, there are other possibilities depending on the context:

* Planets: Bright planets like Venus or Jupiter can sometimes appear close to the moon.

* Artificial satellites: Bright satellites, especially the International Space Station, can also be seen in the sky, sometimes near the moon.

* Aircraft: Aircraft lights can sometimes be mistaken for stars, especially if they are flying high and are reflecting light.

To determine what you are seeing:

* Look at the position of the lights over time: Stars stay in relatively fixed positions, while planets and satellites move across the sky.

* Use a stargazing app: Apps like SkySafari or Stellarium can help you identify celestial objects in the night sky.

Let me know if you have more details about the location and time you saw the lights, and I can help you narrow down the possibilities!