difference between "What is it near?" and "Where is it located?" [closed]

Both are asking about the placement of something, but you will get a different kind of response from either.

What is it near?

For example, if you are asking where a grocery story is located, people will answer the above question with other building or big landmarks that are close by:

• "It's by the bank"

• "It's next to the big park with the swings"

• "It's across from the bridge"

This makes sense because your answers are "Whats" or objects

Where is it located?

This time, people could give similar answers to "What is it near". Or they could tell you the driving directions to get the grocery store. Or they could give you the address. The address is probably the most likely answer.

Similar rules would exist for things that are not buildings but hopefully this helps.

Also, unless you are way more interested in a things location than actually getting to the thing, "Where is it?" is just as appropriate.