checking status mysql replication HELP ?!?

Im using Solaris 5.7 with apache & mysql . this server is setup to
replicate with another identical machine..to keep the 2 machines in sync

 in case of the primary server fails we have a backup ..anywho my
question is ..how do I check to see the status of the replication
process 
running or not,
 
from what I understand.I should be able to log into mysql doing
 
mysql -u username -p database name 
 
it prompts for a password . I enter the pass and I get the 
 
mysql> 
 
from what im reading I should be able to do a
 
mysql> show master status     
 
OR
mysql> show slave status
 
and it should return whether its running or not.
 
But it doesn't .it just returns this
 
mysql> show master status
            ->
 
what does this mean ? Im still kinda new to mysql .if anyone can point
me in the right direction that would be AWESOME.
 
Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated
 
Thank you
Brent Bailey CCNA 
High Speed Data Services 
MetroCast Cablevision 
603-332-8629 ext:242 
[email protected]