What are the stars for next to some threads?

[UNIVAC]

Some threads have 4 or 5 stars next to the tittle, what does it mean?

 

[Mod 8]

Could you give us an example of such a thread?

 

[TheDon]

"Buyer’s Beware : Warning Of Potential Bait & Switch Providers" sticky thread has five stars after the title.

 

[sergejean]

I believe the stars show whenever members rate a thread using the "Rate This Thread" function on top.