<p>Someone asked me how familiar I am with VC++ and how familiar I am with C++.  What is the difference?</p>

C++ is the actual language, VC++ is Microsoft's Visual C++, an IDE for C++ development.
From
stason.org
:
C++ is the programming language, Visual C++ is Microsoft's implementation of it.
When people talk about learning Visual C++, it usually has more to do with learning how to use the programming environment, and how to use the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFCs) for Windows rather than any language issues. Visual C++ can and will compile straight C and C++.