The term Cainite is used to refer to vampires, though its use has waned since the Dark Ages. The term is used exclusively by vampires and recalls their descent from Caine, the Third Mortal and First Vampire. In the modern nights, the term is more popular among members of the [[Sabbat]] and a rare few traditionalist elders who predate the sects.

Vampires of the [[Camarilla]] prefer the more innocuous term [[Kindred]] instead of Cainite. This is especially true of secularists and party-line loyalists who reject the myth of Caine as the First Vampire. Other vampires who do not believe they are descended from Caine likewise object to the term. The [[Sabbat]], in turn, eschews the term [[Kindred]] as an affectation of feigned camaraderie and humanity.