BDSM

BDSM is a wide range of consensual activities that are either sexual or indirectly connected to sexuality. The four letters can be read in two ways: either as the initialism for Bondage, Dominance and SadoMasochism, or as being a condensed version of Bondage & Discipline + Dominance & Submission + Sadism & Masochism. 
BDSM can be traumatic for unsuspecting readers, and it is advised that writers include a warning.
Bondage means tying someone up, usually with ropes. Can also be with chains or whatever, or putting someone in a cage, or simply forbidding the person to move. The latter is sometimes categorized as Discipline. To be Bondage, it has to be sexual and consensual. If it is consensual but not sexual, it's just a game. If it is neither sexual nor consensual, it's kidnapping. If it's sexual but not consensual, it's kidnapping or sexual assault or both.
Dominance / Dominance & Submission is exchange of power: One person choosing to surrender to another by their own free will. Because they want to, not because they have been coerced or extorted in any way. Of course, the surrender only counts if it's accepted by the Dominant.
SadoMasochism / Sadism & Masochism is the experience of pain - of the right kind, from the right person, in the right context. It can take the form of spankings, whippings, hot candle wax, etc. If the person who provides these experiences is also enjoying the session, then this person is called a "sadist". These people typically combine their sadism with empathy and ethics, and are thus not dangerous or destructive in any way. However, a person who is a sexual sadist and a psychopath is an entirely different matter.
Some people combine all three parts, while others pick only one or two. It's a smorgasbord. Some people are masochists without being submissive, while some people are submissive without wanting pain to be a part of the deal at all. Of the people who enjoy both D&S and S&M, some enjoy each of them in their own right, while others enjoy one and only use the other to reinforce the experience. Likewise, some people enjoy both being the dominant and being the submissive. This is often referred to as being a "switch". Others enjoy only one of the positions.
Category:Terminology