For the Cainites in the New World of Darkness, see Cainite Heresy (WOD).

In Vampire: The Masquerade, the term Cainite is used to refer to vampires, though its use has waned since the Dark Ages. The term "Cainite" 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, such as the Laibon and many Assamites and Setites, likewise object to the term. The Sabbat, in turn, eschews the term "Kindred" as an affectation of feigned camaraderie and humanity. The term "Cainite" does not apply to the Kuei-jin or other vampire-like beings who do not share an origin with the descendants of Caine. Likewise, the term "Kindred" is rarely, if ever, applied to such creatures.

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