What’s the difference between a dominant and a sadist?

[Eastmumnatrix]

A dominant takes psychological or physical control in a consensual dynamic. A sadist finds pleasure in inflicting consensual pain. You can be one, both, or neither. Not all dominants are sadists, and not all sadists want control.

 

[kurchatovium]

I would say a dominant wants control but not necessarily any pain or discomfort

A sadist though wants to cause discomfort or pain. That's their prime goal.