BDSM is: An “umbrella term” used for those who play with psychological control and/or physical pain and/or restraint. It covers three varied categories that may or may not be inclusive at a given time. It is generally understood to be a consensual practice that includes a group of related behaviors that don’t fit firmly into any of the three grouped categories.
Bondage:Is the restriction of a person’s bodily movement for erotic reasons using fastening devices of various kinds. Handcuffs, chains, ropes, straps, straightjackets or by the use of other instruments or being under the mental control of another.
Discipline: The imposition of rules and behavior on the “bottom” in domination scenes and the “punishments” used to enforce them.
Dominance: The practice of running the scene, powering over or controlling the “bottom’s” behavior, perhaps simply as a role play or humiliation or perhaps reinforced by the threat or the actual use of intense or painful physical activities directed by the “top” at the “bottom”, and/or restriction, bondage and physical control. As with bondage, it can exist as a separate phenomenon, but it’s likely to incorporate the others. Submission: The act of or interest in submitting to the commands of another, within limits, for sexual and/or erotic purposes. Bondage may be used to enhance the feeling of submission. Pain-play i.e. S&M may be used to emphasize the position the submissive is in or as punishments for disobedience.
Sadism: The perversion of deriving sexual satisfaction from the infliction of pain on others or on themselves.
Masochism: The act of deriving sexual pleasure from experiences normally thought of as painful, and enjoying such experiences.
