BDSM is an umbrella term that encompasses the activities of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadomasochism.  BDSM is not limited to these activities, but can include any or all of them.

Scene

Refers to either the "scene" at large (the community) or a particular instance (a scene) between participants.

Top

One who takes the active role in a physical scene.  May or may not be a sadist or a dominant.

Bottom

A participant in a physical scene who submits to various activities from a top.  May or may not be a masochist or submissive to the top.

Dominant

One who has control in a consensual exchange of power.

Submissive

One who surrenders control to another in a consensual exchange of power.

Sadism

Deriving pleasure from the giving of pain and/or humiliation or suffering.

Masochism

Deriving pleasure from receiving pain and/or humiliation or suffering.

Switch

A person who enjoys either side of BDSM role or physical play.

Consensual

Behavior or activities agreed to by all parties involved.  True consent is informed consent and requires a reasonably accurate knowledge of possible risks.

Safeword

A word, phrase or action used by the bottom to signal to stop the scene or reduce the intensity.

Bad Girls does not endorse these definitions as absolutes, but offers them as concepts to facilitate understanding.