On a plane or a boat, there is a red light and a green with a white lite on the back?

Question

what do these lights mean?

Answer 1

Related specifically to boating, there are many requirements based on the type of vessel. You can sort out the details on the website below.

Answer 2

Red light is on the port or left side of the boat or plane. Green light is on the starboard or right side of the boat or plane. White light on the rear of the boat or plane will tell you what direction the boat or plane is moving. Example: if you see a red and white light the boat or plane is moving from your right to left

Answer 3

The 3 color light system on a plane or boat allows you to immediately know your position relative to the path of the plane or boat, depending on what combination of lights you see. The green light is on the right(starboard), the red on the left (port) and white on top.

So if you see only a green and red light, the plane or boat is heading directly toward you. If you only see a white light, it is heading away from you.

Answer 4

These are international position signals.  Can't tell you what international agreement came up with these but red flashing is to starbord, white to aft, green to bow.  

If you see the lights, you will be able to tell which direction the vehicle is traveling, if it is moving towards you or away from you.

Answer 5

red is port side[left]

green light is starboard side[right]

white on a small boat is that your anchored up

Answer 6

Many of the answers below are correct as far as they go. The more important issue is that by knowing the "rules" of the road, You can determine who has the "right of way", so that two, or more boats can navigate safely at night.  If you see red, you must give way to the other vessel.  If you see Green, you can continue on your course.  If you see white, the boat or plane ahead had the right of way, and you must signal if you wish to pass.  So its all about navigation.