The phase of the moon is the shape of the illuminated or sunlit portion of the moon, as seen by an observer on Earth. 

Crescent refers to the phases where the moon is less than half illuminated.

Gibbous refers to phases where the moon is more than half illuminated.

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Waning pertains to the period during which the visible surface of the moon decreases.

—Waxing pertains to the period during which the visible surface of the moon increases.

When there is a New Moon, the moon is not visible in the sky, except during a solar eclipse.

—When there is a waxing Crescent, the moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun, but less than one quarter illuminated.

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When there is a —First Quarter moon, the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun.

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—When there is a Waxing Gibbous moon, the moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated.

When there is a —Full Moon, the moon is totally visible in the sky, except during a lunar eclipse.

—When there is a Waning Gibbous, the moon is more than one-half illuminated by the sun but not completely illuminated.

When there is a Third Quarter moon, the moon is one-half illuminated by the sun.

—When there is a Waning Crescent moon, the moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated.

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