In BDSM, Dom and sub are terms used to describe the roles of the individuals involved in a Dom/sub dynamic. The Dom, short for dominant, is the person who takes on the more aggressive role during a consensual BDSM scenario. The sub, short for submissive, is the person who takes on the more submissive role during the scenario. It is important to note that these roles need to be clearly defined and agreed upon by both partners, and that no two Dom/sub dynamics are exactly alike. The Dom/sub dynamic is a consensual and creative form of sexual expression that involves exploring and experimenting with different activities such as bondage, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism. It is a fundamental configuration of role play that is key to creating a safe and healthy kinky sex life. Dom/sub relationships can come in many configurations, including long-term, exclusive, and romantic; long-term but poly or kinky friends-with-benefits-style; or one-time things. It is also important to note that Dom/sub relationships are not inherently pain-focused or violent.