They’re functionally the same – smoking plant material in that form factor. But I’ve noticed cigarette smokers tend to hold the cigarette facing out, in between their index and middle finger. Whereas someone smoking a joint would more typically hold it towards their palm, between their thumb and middle or index finger.
I only hold a joint different than a cigarette when the joint has no crutch and is getting close to the end. Gotta hold it with both hands to not only keep the end open to draw through, but also so I don’t burn myself because it’s so small.