Air warfare kills or victories ?

In the early seventies at an Old Warden airshow I was introduced to a German night fighter ace Major Wilhelm Herget. I was sharply rebuked by him because I asked how many enemy aircraft kills he claimed. He said they were victories not kills.
Ever since whenever I read books or see articles about the air war I cringe whenever I see the word “kills” mentioned,as I remember his words. Yes fighter pilots have to be tough and agressive,I wonder what others think?