Roles and Dynamics
C
Collar
A collar, in the context of BDSM and kink, is a symbolic accessory worn around the neck to represent a power exchange dynamic, typically between a submissive and a dominant partner. While collars can vary in style from discreet day collars to more obvious play collars, they generally signify ownership, commitment, or submission within a consensual BDSM relationship.
Collaring
Collaring is a BDSM practice and ritual where one partner (typically the dominant) presents a collar to another partner (typically the submissive) as a symbol of their commitment, power exchange dynamic, and relationship status, similar to how a wedding ring represents marriage in traditional relationships. The collar itself can be decorative or functional, ranging from elegant jewelry to leather accessories, and its presentation often involves a ceremony or agreement that establishes or deepens the partners' power exchange dynamic.
D
Dom Daddy
A Dom Daddy is a dominant male partner in a BDSM or power exchange relationship, often older or more experienced, who takes on a nurturing or paternal role while maintaining authority over a submissive partner. This dynamic combines elements of dominance and submission with aspects of caregiving and guidance.
Dominance and Submission
Dominance and submission (often abbreviated as D/s) is a set of erotic practices, interpersonal dynamics, and roleplaying scenarios involving the consensual exchange of power between partners. In this dynamic, one partner (the dominant) takes control, while the other (the submissive) relinquishes control. This power exchange can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and may occur during sexual activities or extend into other aspects of the relationship.
Dominant
A dominant, often referred to as a "dom" or "domme" (female dominant), is a person who takes on a controlling or authoritative role in a consensual BDSM or power exchange relationship. The dominant partner typically directs activities, gives orders, and may administer various forms of stimulation or discipline to their submissive partner(s). This role is adopted as part of a mutually agreed-upon dynamic that provides psychological, emotional, or sexual satisfaction to all involved parties.
Dominatrix
A dominatrix, also known as a domme or mistress, is a female dominant partner in BDSM activities. She takes on a powerful, controlling role in sexual or non-sexual power exchange scenarios with submissive partners. A dominatrix typically employs various techniques such as bondage, discipline, and humiliation to assert dominance and provide psychological or physical stimulation to her submissives.
P
Pet play
Pet play is a form of consensual role-play where one or more participants take on the characteristics, mannerisms, and behaviors of animals (such as cats, dogs, or other creatures), while others may act as trainers, owners, or handlers. This intimate dynamic often involves elements of power exchange, nurturing, and playful interaction, though it doesn't necessarily include sexual activity.
Power Dynamics
Power dynamics in a sexual context refer to the distribution and exchange of control, authority, or influence between partners during sexual activities or within a sexual relationship. These dynamics can be explicit and negotiated, as in BDSM practices, or more subtle and implicit in vanilla relationships. Power dynamics often involve elements of dominance and submission, but can manifest in various ways depending on the individuals involved and their preferences.
Power Exchange
Power exchange refers to a consensual dynamic in BDSM relationships where one partner voluntarily relinquishes control to another. This exchange can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and often involves elements of dominance and submission. The key aspect of power exchange is that it's negotiated and agreed upon by all parties involved, with clear boundaries and expectations set.
Primal Play
Primal play is a form of BDSM and roleplay that involves tapping into one's animalistic or instinctual side during sexual encounters. It often includes elements of dominance and submission, with partners taking on roles inspired by predator-prey dynamics or alpha-beta relationships found in nature. Primal play can involve rough body contact, growling, biting, scratching, and wrestling, all within the context of consensual and negotiated boundaries.
S
Service Submission
Service submission is a consensual practice within BDSM relationships where one partner (the submissive) derives pleasure and fulfillment from serving or caring for the other partner (the dominant). This can involve a wide range of activities, from household chores to personal care, sexual services, or other forms of support. The focus is on the submissive partner's desire to please and serve their dominant partner.
Submissive
A submissive, often referred to as a "sub," is a person who willingly gives up control to another person (the dominant) in a consensual power exchange dynamic, typically within a BDSM context. This role can be adopted during sexual activities, scenes, or as part of a broader lifestyle choice. Submissives derive pleasure, excitement, or fulfillment from following orders, pleasing their dominant partner, or experiencing various forms of controlled treatment.
Switch
A switch is a person who enjoys taking on both dominant and submissive roles in BDSM or kink scenarios, either within the same sexual encounter or across different encounters or relationships. Switches can fluidly move between these roles, adapting their behavior and mindset based on their partner's preferences, the specific situation, or their own desires at the time.