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.
Never been a cigarette smoker; but I’ve always preferred to hold joints inward to shield from wind and because the shorter filter/‘tip’ is easier to hold with the tips of your fingers. I also like the knock the ash off the end with my thumb vs flicking the whole joint/smoke to shake it off. Less chance of knocking the cherry off, especially with really finely ground bud.