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

[Eastmumnatrix]

A Dom leads the power exchange in a D/s relationship. Also, focuses on control, authority, and emotional/mental dominance.It could be part of a long-term dynamic. While a Top performs physical actions in a BDSM scene like spanking sometimes tying.

Key Difference a Dom controls the relationship or dynamic while a Top controls the actions during a scene.

Inputs are welcomed

Cheers

 

[kurchatovium]

I would agree I think a dominant controls the whole relationship

A top just controls perhaps the one scene while playing.

I think it's also in degree. A dominant controls things more intensely. A top is more casual about it in my humble opinion.

 

[milagros317]

I can agree that a Top need not be a Dominant. A simple example: At a play party, somebody might come up to you and ask, "May I top you in a spanking scene?"

 

[Stacygrey]

People conflate the two, but being a Top simply means that you're the one doing the penetrating. Just as being a Bottom means that you're being penetrated. It comes from gay culture, isn't a BDSM term.

And a Dom, well, dominates. Does all the things you would expect a Dominant to do in a BDSM context.

 

[torturoustickle]

There are a lot more people involved in casual play when it comes to my local BDSM scene. They attend the clubs, participate, have fun, then go home satisfied. They mostly refer to themselves as 'Tops' or 'Bottoms' depending on their flavour.
Then you have what I refer to as the 'lifestylers'.
They live and breathe the BDSM lifestyle, right down to their personal relationships. They are referred to as Dom's and Subs.
Now there are those of course, who blur the lines a little. But it really comes down to the level of involvement.