BDSM is a term used to describe aspects of sex that involve dominance, submission, and control. The practice typically involves one partner taking on a more dominant role during sex, while the other is more submissive. The acronym BDSM can be divided into these categories: 

• Bondage: Restricting a partner’s freedom of movement, for example, with ropes, handcuffs, or other restraints 
• Discipline: Agreed upon rules and punishments for a dominant partner to exert control over a submissive partner
• Dominance: The act of showing dominance over a physical partner, either during sex or outside of the bedroom
• Submission: The act of showing submission to the dominant partner’s actions and wishes
• Sadism and Masochism (or Sadomasochism): Pleasure that a partner may feel from either inflicting pain (sadism) or receiving pain (masochism), either physical or emotional

While these are the broader categories, there is no one way to practice BDSM — different types can include power play, role-playing, pain play, bondage, wax play, edging, sensory deprivation, or humiliation.