Venus does exhibit phases similar to the Moon, but they are not as easily visible from Earth due to various factors. The main reason is that Venus orbits the Sun closer to us than Earth does, so it never strays too far from the Sun's general vicinity in our sky. As a result, Venus is typically observed either shortly after sunset or shortly before sunrise, when it is relatively close to the Sun in the sky.
When Venus is on the far side of the Sun from us, it is in its "full" phase, but it is also too close to the Sun's glare to be observed easily. As Venus moves closer to Earth, it gradually shifts towards a crescent phase, similar to the Moon's crescent phase. However, due to its proximity to the Sun, Venus appears quite bright, making it challenging to discern the subtle changes in its illuminated portion.
To observe Venus in its crescent phase, special techniques and equipment are often required, such as using telescopes with appropriate filters or imaging methods that can block out the Sun's glare. Professional astronomers and astrophotographers can capture these phases and provide visual evidence of Venus in its various stages.
In summary, while Venus does undergo phases like the Moon, the combination of its proximity to the Sun and its brightness makes it difficult to observe these phases with the naked eye without specialized equipment.