I am replacing a light in my kitchen with a hanging light from a friends house. The wiring from the box is the same color (very old house and wiring) but I think I know which is neutral based on which was wired to the white and black on the previous fixture. The hanging light I am putting in has a green ground but the other two wires appear to be both black (light has been painted before). Is it possible that the light is so simple that it doesn't matter which of the wires (other than the ground of course) is wired to the box hot and neutral? Thanks in advance...

It matters quite a bit.

Normally, the Neutral (White) is connected to the screw socket of the fixture. Black (Ungrounded conductor) is connected to the base of the socket.

If the wires are reversed, when you go to change the bulb and touch the screw thread, you will get shocked.