Top/Bottom

Top and bottom are terms used in BDSM and some sexual contexts to describe roles during an encounter. The top is the active or giving partner — the one who performs actions, takes the lead, or provides stimulation. The bottom is the receptive or receiving partner. In BDSM, top and bottom often overlap with dominant and submissive roles, but they are not identical — a bottom can be in control of the scene while still being physically receptive. These terms are also used in gay and queer communities to describe sexual position preferences.