What's the difference between a Top and a Dom? BDSM?

top - the one that puts Mr Happy in you

bottom - the one that enjoys Mr Happy in them.

Dom/Dominant - One that is in control

Sub/Submissive - One that surrenders to the Dom.

Google (bd/sm)

Unfortunately it appears that you are receiving a lot of answers from misinformed people.

Being in the lifestyle, I can answer you in a very general way.

A Top refers primarily to a person (male or female) that enjoys spanking others. this can be for either discipline or just for fun. It does NOT refer to any sexual activity. Sexual activity MAY occur, but there are many instances when the spanking is just that... a spanking.

A bottom is simple someone that enjoys being spanked. Enjoys giving up control, temporarily and in a limited manner, to another.

There is also a "switch"... this is a person that enjoys spanking others AND being spanked.

A Dom is a person that is dominant in a relationship. This goes farther than just spanking. It involves a degree of control in the submissives life. The degree of control is discussed and determined at the start of the relationship. Unlike a Top/bottom relationship, a Dom/submissive relationship will almost always involve sex.

Again, this is a simplified answer but it should answer your basic question.

A Dom (dominant) pairs up with a sub (submissive). The sub gets off on relinquishing control to the Dom and the Dom enjoys assuming control of the sub. This power exchange can take the form of roleplay and may incorporate bondage or any number of techniques.

A Top pairs up with a bottom; this has to do with sexual positions rather than with control or power. The bottom isn't necessarily interested in relinquishing control, nor is there necessarily any roleplay. With male couples who are in a Top/bottom mode, the top gets orally serviced and/or takes the active role in anal sex.

A Dom may or may not top a sub depending on the scene.

a Top is a person who only gives, usually someone who only penetrates their partner and isnt interested in receiving penetration. on the other hand, a Dom is a person who dominates another person and theyre not necessarily a Top. They just tell the partner (who is a Sub, short for subordinate) what to do in the bedroom. Sometimes, a Dom and a Sub have a full time relationship, where the Dom tells the Sub what to do even at work, and they might wear a dog collar or something like that. But sometimes its just in the bedroom and they seem like a normal couple otherwise.

Top Bdsm

Bdsm Top

difference top dom bdsm

A top controls physically in the scene - using either restraints or pain.

A dominant controls with his or her mind or personality - giving orders or using psychology. A dominant can use pain or restraints, but it s not required.

the same damn thing

but a top doesn't just mean your dominant sexualy it may in some cases that your a sadist (as a clinical edification)