It's a rose. When it flowers you'll be able to decide if it's a keeper.

Really? That was my initial thought, but there is no rose bush anywhere on my property, or neighbor's.

The leaves are also much smaller and lighter and softer than any rose bush I have ever seen, even the ones with the tiny little flowers.

Thank you :-)

You don't say where you are. In some parts of the country it might be multiflora rose which is invasive in many parts of the country. Multiflora rose has clusters of white flowers in late spring, but those are followed by fruits that the birds eat and then deposit all over to sprout in unwanted places.

Long Island, New York.

It's likely Rosa multiflora.... Update the thread again when it blooms so you don't destroy a non-invasive rose. I haven't run across too many of them on Long Island, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. While Rosa multiflora is invasive, many people like 'em because they grow where most roses fail to survive....

I am pretty sure now it's multiflora. I found a good photo and mine has that fringed stipule just like the photos. I will remove it if I can get in there. It's pretty dense with other bushes, but I'll get to it somehow. Thanks.

I still think you should wait 'n' be sure... Healthy, hardy roses are hard to grow so close to the ocean and our humidity and winters. I'd want to be certain before destroying a healthy rose. No rose is a threat to the environment just by blooming --- the hips/seeds you want to avoid if it's the multiflora variety, so you have months to deal with the plant if necessary. Keep in mind that there are desirable roses which have a similar appearance and growth habit.... My 2¢.

I will heed that advice and wait. Thanks.