Honey bees are not very harmful unless provoked. They are easily recognized by yellow or black markings. A honey bee's stinger has multiple barbs, so it usually remains in the wound. Once they sting, they die. Yellow jackets are the most aggressive of the stinging insects.
Yellow jackets like to hover.
Hornets have short, black bodies with yellow or white markings. They are found in trees and bushes and will sting repeatedly. They can be black, brown or red. Wasps build nests in the coves of buildings and under rafters. They sting repeatedly.