What is BDSM lifestyle, read a question about it here and don't know what it is...help?

BDSM is a catch-all term for three types of interactions:

BD = bondage and discipline

DS = dominance and submissiveness

SM = sadism and masochism

Some people are into one, two, or all three of the above, in differing levels of interest. The term "lifestyle" is used as a catch-all for those denote a significant interest in at least one of the above, usually the DS part being the most commonly inferred.

Why are some people into this? Probably like some have an interest in a particular sport or form of exercise. Obviously it's not for everyone. Indeed, it is often misunderstood to be a form of abuse when it requires consentual participation. (If it's not consentual, then it's not BDSM, it IS abuse.) Given this particular popular image, those whose are into this lifestyle have to be careful when interacting with the general vanilla (non-BDSM) world.

There are a lot of resources on this. Wikipedia has some pretty good articles that are not graphic in nature, so I recommend looking there if you just want an overview.

B= Bondage - the desire to be tied or shackled down, or to tie or shackle some one else down, depending on who is Dominent in the situation.

D= Dominent - the one running the show, the one in charge

S= Submissive - someone who enjoys letting someone else tell them what to do, who enjoys being bossed around and surrendering their will to another as part of thier pleasure

That's if you're using the D/s together

If you're just using the S/m together it means

Sadist -Someone who enjoys causing pain to another

M= Masochist - someone who enjoys having pain caused to them

As for a lifestyle. Like so many other stereotypes in our society that lead people astray, believing that there's only One lifestyle for people who are into these sorts of thing would be a grave injustice. But the running themes are that everyone involved has given informed and adult consent. There are usually "Safe" words that the submissive can use, to indicate that they're uncomfortable with a situation, and these are to be respected.

Trust is a huge part of BDSM, it's not just about sex, it's a power game, it's a roleplay consciously entered into.

Bondage - Discipline/ Dominance - Sadism/ Slave - Masochism/ Master

I don't think 'lifestyle' is an appropriate word here, anymore than you'd call enjoying fine wines or liking country music 'a lifestyle'. While a few people might let such an interest be the central focus of their lives, for most folks it's something to enjoy in a more moderate way.

Bondage Domination Submission Masochism

it's when you use bondage in a sexual relationship. tying your girlfriend or boyfriend down, using physical punishment, ect. it's supposed to be mutual between both people.

how does a slave get branded