According to our current understanding of particle physics and quantum field theory, particles are excitations or quanta of their respective quantum fields. In this framework, fields are considered fundamental, while particles are manifestations or localized disturbances in those fields.
Quantum field theory describes the behavior of elementary particles and their interactions by quantizing the underlying fields. These fields permeate all of space and time and are associated with different types of particles, such as electrons, quarks, photons, and so on. Particles can be thought of as specific states or "packets" of energy and momentum in their corresponding fields.
However, it's important to note that the distinction between fields and particles can sometimes be blurred, as particles are often described as field excitations. In certain experiments and interactions, the wave-like nature of particles and the probabilistic behavior governed by quantum mechanics become more apparent. The behavior of particles is often described by wave functions that evolve in time and can exhibit interference, superposition, and entanglement.
So, while particles are manifestations of quantum fields, they are still considered real entities within the framework of quantum field theory. The fields provide a fundamental description of the physical phenomena, and particles arise as specific configurations or excitations of those fields.