A cadet in genealogy is like a little branch that grows off a big family tree. You know how trees have lots of branches, and each branch has smaller branches and leaves on it? Well, a cadet is kind of like one of those smaller branches.
Let's say your family tree starts with your great-great-grandparents. They had lots of children, and each of those children had children of their own. One of the children could become a cadet if they did something different than the others in the family. Maybe they moved to a different place, started a new job or business, or even changed their last name.
Even though the cadet is still part of the same big family tree, they might have different stories and experiences than the other branches. Some people like to research and learn about their cadet ancestors to see what makes them unique.
Think of it like creating a painting. You start with a big canvas and paint a few main characters, but then you add smaller details like flowers or trees in the background. Those details may not be as big or important as the main characters, but they still add to the overall beauty of the painting. That's what a cadet is - a smaller detail that adds to the beauty and richness of your family tree.