What celestial condition defines a planet as an "evening object" visible in the western sky shortly after sunset?

Answer

The planet is moving toward the horizon after the Sun has set.

A planet designated as an evening object is observed specifically when it appears low in the western sky immediately following the sunset. This observational state indicates that, based on the orbital mechanics relative to the Sun as viewed from Earth, the planet is currently tracing a path toward the horizon. This means it has either recently caught up to the Sun in their respective orbits or has already pulled ahead of the Sun and is now setting shortly thereafter, descending toward the horizon.

What celestial condition defines a planet as an "evening object" visible in the western sky shortly after sunset?
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