Completely new to D&D; myself and some similarly inexperienced players jumped in with D&D 5e, using the premade characters for the starter set that was released. We searched around but couldn’t find an answer to something:
What exactly is the Attack Bonus listed on the weapons? Is it a modifier you add to your attack roll or your damage roll?
The Attack Bonus you’re referring to, in the middle of the Starter Set Character Sheets, is added to attack rolls (only, never damage). It’s calculated using your Proficiency Bonus plus your relevant Ability Modifier (usually Strength for melee weapons and Dexterity for ranged). The Damage is included in it’s entirety just to the right of the Attack Bonus, in the same “Attacks and Spellcasting” box.
For example, the Human Fighter character comes with a greataxe, with an attack bonus of +5 (and so rolls 1d20+5 to hit) and a damage of 1d12+3 (and so rolls exactly that for damage on a successful hit).