Sounds like you've got the 8" f5 fl 1000mm.
I've got the same size thing, only in the SkyWatcher and it's good fun and very capable of very nice views of DSOs and planets.
Stick with it. Get familiar with its capabilities and when you're ready get yourself a couple of better quality eyepieces and definitely a better mount.
You'll need slightly better quality eyepieces eventually in a fast scope to get the most out of it but like the previous posts have said, you'll need to learn how to make sure your optics are correctly aligned (collimated).
There's no easy way around this I'm afraid. You've just got to jump in and have a go. You'll more than likely get it wrong the first few times and think you're ruined your scope. Don't worry. The good news is it's not broken. It's just out of alignment and waiting for you to figure it out. And you will. Eventually
Given that you are not familiar with collimation there's every likelihood you're not aware of what to look for to determine if your collimation is out. So it probably is.
It might have something to do with why Jupiter wasn't so pretty through the eyepiece but the moon was??? The moon's (a little) more forgiving on poor collimation than details on Jupiter.
I'd agree there's also a chance you're not focusing correctly.
Also make sure you were in fact pointing at Jupiter and not a star!
Otherwise, go for it. The night sky loves being looked at, when there's not clouds everywhere!!!!!!!!!