With combat there is the inevitable damage. Yet as a vampire, your body is stronger and tougher. But also as a vampire there are things that hurt more than others. Thus there are 3 kinds of damage. Bashing, Lethal, and Aggravated.

Bashing: caused by bludgeoning weapons and bullets

Lethal: caused by slicing and piercing weapons such as swords, daggers, and axes

Aggravated: caused by teeth, claws, fire, sunlight, faith, and anything that states that it does aggravated damage

Yet combat damage isn't the black and white of combat and it isn't who can do the most damage first. First off there is an option to soak damage. Vampires are so tough that some blows don't even phase them. With stamina alone a vampire can take the hit without any damage to themselves. Yet only bashing and lethal can be soaked. Aggravated damage cannot be soaked with stamina due to the supernatural properties in what cause aggravated damage. Yet the discipline, Fortitude, can soak aggravated damage along with the other two types.