From YGSWiki

BDSM is an acronym with several related meanings. Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & amp;Submission, Sadism & Masochism. BDSM is, more or less, a form of role playing where the couple will exchange and, in some cases, share the roles they've chosen.

BDSM is NOT a form of sexual abuse, although sometimes the events and actions taken can look like it to the casual observer. People who participate in BDSM activities often times use clothing and other objects who's function is to heighten the experience. Collars, chains, cuffs, straps, and many other items can be both ornamental and functional. An important acronym to know is SSC, which means "Safe, Sane and Consensual." This is what all people who practice BDSM related activities follow. If the activity is not safe, sane, and consensual at all times, then it is not BDSM. Every person involved at any given time must feel that the activity is safe, sane and consensual. This mutual consent makes a clear legal and ethical distinction between BDSM and crimes such as sexual assault or domestic violence.

Some people incorporate BDSM activities into their everyday life. Such couples are normally dominant/submissive in nature such as master/slave or master/pet relationships.

See also

• BDSM article on Wikipedia - contains much more information and explanation.