The compound acronym, BDSM, is derived from the terms Bondage and Discipline (B&D), Dominance and submission (D&s), Sadism and masochism (S&M).

BDSM includes a wide spectrum of activities, forms of interpersonal relationships, and distinct subcultures.

Activities and relationships within a BDSM context are characterized by the fact that the participants usually take on complementary, but unequal roles, thus the idea of consent of both the partners becomes essential.

Typically, participants who are active ~ applying the activity or exercising Control over others ~ are known as "Tops" or Dominants".

Those participants who are recipients of the activities ~ or, who are controlled by their partners ~ are typically known as "bottoms" or "submissives".

Individuals who assume both Top/Dominant and bottom/submissive roles ~ whether from relationship-to-relationship, or within one relationship ~ are known as "Switches".