BDSM是用來描述一些與性虐戀相關的人類性行為模式。其主要的次群體正是BDSM這個縮寫字母本身所指稱的：綁縛與調教（Bondage & Discipline，即B/D），支配與臣服（Dominance & Submission，即D/s），施虐與受虐（Sadism & Masochism，即S/M）。

BDSM的實踐如果是施行於無性或中立的脈絡下，會普遍被認為是不愉快、不受渴望或不利的。比如說，痛苦以及身體的監禁與奴役，傳統上都是違背對方意願地施加於人， 並且對他們造成傷害。然而，BDSM是以參與者彼此同意為前提來進行，其目的是為了讓彼此歡愉。正因如此，BDSM和性虐待是全然不同的兩回事。

這種對共識與安全的重視也就是所謂的安全、理智、知情同意，雖然有些人比較喜歡用共知風險的兩願實踐（Risk Aware Consensual Kink，縮寫為RACK）來表示，更強調知情同意的重要性，並且承認所有活動事實上都有潛在的風險。

BDSM is a term used to describe some human sexual behavior patterns related to sadomasochism. Its main sub-groups are exactly what the acronym BDSM itself refers to: Bondage & Discipline (B/D), Dominance & Submission (D/s), Sadism & Masochism (S/M).

BDSM practices are generally considered unpleasant, undesirable, or detrimental when performed in a non-sexual or neutral context. For example, pain and physical imprisonment and enslavement have traditionally been inflicted on people against their will and have caused them harm. However, BDSM is based on the consent of the participants and its purpose is to provide mutual pleasure. Because of this, BDSM and sadomasochism are two completely different things.

This emphasis on consensus and safety is what is known as safe, rational, and informed consent, although some people prefer to express it as Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK), which emphasizes the importance of informed consent and recognizes that all activities actually have potential risks.