Ball

In a BDSM context, "top" refers to the person who takes the active role in a physical or emotional scene. This person is the one who performs the binding, inflicting pain, directing, giving orders, or any other action. However, being a top doesn't necessarily mean being dominant. A person can be in a top position without being dominant, by taking an active technical or physical role in a scene. This role can be applied, especially in temporary or contextual scenes, independently of permanent power dynamics. Tops act with consideration for their partner's boundaries and consent; their directing position in their actions is generally shaped within the framework of the other party's desires and boundaries.