I am in Louisville KY and need to terminate a lease. I was wondering if terminating a lease early affects my credit?

If they sue you and win a judgement, it will definitely affect your credit score.

It can. Unless you have permission to terminate the lease, then you are defaulting on a contract. The landlord can sue you for the balance of the rent owed. When they win that will go on your record. Some landlord can report rental arrears to the credit bureaus.

You can't just terminate a lease, you need to negotiate it with the landlord. You are legally bound to pay for the entire lease but the LL may let you off with a limited buy out. Otherwise you owe until a suitable tenant can be found to fill your place, plus any advertising costs. It will not effect your credit if you do a buy out or if the LL takes no legal action.