  A detailed analysis of anomalous U(1)'s and their effective couplings is
performed both in field theory and string theory. It is motivated by the
possible relevance of such couplings in particle physics, as well as a
potential signal distinguishing string theory from other UV options. The most
general anomaly related effective action is analyzed and parameterized. It
contains Stuckelberg, axionic and Chern-Simons-like couplings. It is shown that
such couplings are generically non-trivial in orientifold string vacua and are
not in general fixed by anomalies. A similar analysis in quantum field theories
provides similar couplings. The trilinear gauge boson couplings are also
calculated and their phenomenological relevance is advocated. We do not find
qualitative differences between string and field theory in this sector.
