The main difference between a cabin bag and a carry-on is the size. Think of it like the difference between a smartphone and a tablet - they're both portable, but one's a bit more compact than the other. A cabin bag is usually smaller, more like a backpack or a small duffel bag, whereas a carry-on can be a bit larger.
But here's the thing: airlines often use the terms cabin bag and carry-on interchangeably. It's like they're two best friends who are always together, but not exactly the same person. So, if you're booking a flight, and the airline says you can bring a cabin bag, they probably mean you can bring a carry-on too.