Kinks and fetishes are often framed as mysterious, taboo, or inherently extreme—when in reality, they’re simply part of the broad spectrum of human desire. For something that carries so much cultural baggage, the concept is less about shock value and more about understanding what turns people on.
“A kink is any sexual interest, behavior, or dynamic that falls outside of what a culture considers ‘typical’ sex,” says Rachel Wright, a licensed psychotherapist, sex expert, and Zumio partner. “A fetish is more specific and refers to sexual arousal that is strongly connected to a particular object, body part, material, or situation, sometimes to the point where it feels central to arousal.” While the terms are often used interchangeably, Wright explains that kinks are generally preferences that add excitement or novelty, whereas a fetish describes a more specific and consistent arousal pattern.
Neither is inherently problematic. Variation in arousal is common, Wright says, and interest alone is not a disorder. What matters is consent, communication, and whether everyone involved feels safe and respected. In fact, many people find that talking openly about fantasies and boundaries can strengthen trust rather than threaten it.
Because what qualifies as “kinky” is shaped as much by culture as by personal preference, the label itself is fluid. What feels adventurous to one person may feel entirely standard to someone else. Recognizing that range can make it easier to approach curiosity without shame—and to communicate more honestly about desire.
Ahead, a breakdown of common kinks and fetishes, what they involve, and how people explore them safely and consensually.
1. Age play
Like many (though not all) kinks, age play is exactly what it sounds like—a consensual role-play scenario in which one or both partners act as a different age than they are. Sometimes that involves imagining a significant age gap dynamic. If you’ve ever used terms like “Daddy” or “Baby” in a sexual context, you’ve brushed up against a lighter form of this kink.
Some people use terms like “Daddy Dom/little” (often abbreviated DD/lg) to describe a version of this dynamic in which one partner takes on a caregiving or authority role while the other adopts a younger persona. As with all power-based role play, clear boundaries and explicit consent are essential.
2. Auralism
Auralism refers to experiencing sexual arousal from sound, explains psychotherapist Lee Phillips, a certified sex and couples therapist. That can include the sounds made during sexual activity—such as moans or breathing—or other auditory stimuli associated with intimacy. Dirty talk, audio erotica, or even imagining a partner’s voice all count here. The key is that, for some, sound heightens anticipation and emotional connection as much as physical touch.
3. BDSM
“BDSM is a catch-all acronym for several different aspects of the kink community,” sex therapist Liz Powell, PhD, explains. “The B and D are for bondage and discipline, the D and S are for domination and submission, and the S and M are for sadism and masochism.”
At its core, BDSM centers on consensual power exchange. That means participants negotiate roles, boundaries, and expectations in advance, with one partner agreeing to take on a dominant role and the other a submissive one during a scene. Communication and aftercare are often considered foundational elements of healthy BDSM practice.
4. Bondage
Bondage—the “B” in BDSM—refers to consensually restraining a partner for erotic effect. This can be as simple as using handcuffs or scarves or more elaborate, such as rope bondage (including shibari) or suspension practices. Because restraint affects mobility and circulation, communication, preparation, and safety knowledge are especially important parts of this kind of play.
5. Blood kink/fetish
A blood kink involves sexual arousal connected to blood and is sometimes referred to as blood play. Often categorized as edge play, it can include activities such as cutting, needle play, or incorporating menstrual blood into a scene. Because it introduces real physical risks, this type of kink requires advanced safety precautions, sterile tools, and clear, informed consent from everyone involved.
6. Breath play
Breath play refers to restricting airflow during sexual activity, often within a BDSM context. Because it interferes with oxygen intake, it carries significant physical risk and is widely considered a high-risk form of edge play. Some educators suggest safer alternatives, such as holding your own breath briefly or incorporating power dynamics that simulate intensity without restricting airflow. As with any advanced kink, education, communication, and clear boundaries are critical.
7. Breeding kink
A breeding kink involves sexual arousal tied to the idea of pregnancy risk, such as internal ejaculation or condomless sex. While condomless sex alone isn’t necessarily a kink, people with a breeding fetish are often specifically turned on by the possibility of pregnancy—even if they do not actually want to conceive. Many use birth control or other protective measures; the appeal often lies in the psychological elements of risk, intimacy, or dominance rather than a literal desire for pregnancy.
8. Cock and ball torture (CBT)
In kink contexts, CBT stands for cock and ball torture, a practice involving consensual genital pain or restraint. It may include impact play, squeezing, or the use of devices such as chastity cages. Like other forms of sadomasochistic play, it operates within negotiated power dynamics and requires explicit consent, communication, and awareness of physical limits.
9. Consensual non-consent
Consensual non-consent (often abbreviated CNC) is a role-play dynamic in which partners simulate a lack of consent within a pre-negotiated and explicitly agreed-upon framework. Rape fantasies, for example, fall under this umbrella. Despite the name, enthusiastic consent, detailed discussion, and clear boundaries are essential before any scene or role play begins.
Intimacy therapist and relationship expert Monica Lynne notes that people who have experienced sexual trauma may sometimes feel drawn to dynamics like CNC, which can bring up complex emotions. Being attentive to any internal distress—and seeking support if needed—can help ensure exploration feels empowering rather than harmful.
10. Cuckolding
Cuckolding is a kink in which a person derives arousal from watching or knowing that their partner is having sex with someone else, often within a humiliation or power-exchange dynamic. In many scenarios, the observing partner identifies as submissive, though variations exist. As with other forms of consensual non-monogamy or humiliation play, communication and clearly defined boundaries are central to keeping the experience aligned for everyone involved.
11. Dirty talk
Dirty talk might feel relatively mild on the kink spectrum, but that doesn’t make it any less valid as a form of erotic expression. Kinks exist on a wide range, and being more common doesn’t make one any “better” than another. “Having a kink or fetish is a normal part of human sexual diversity,” Wright says.
For some, explicit language is a kink in its own right. For others, it’s a low-pressure way to explore fantasies before acting on them. Talking through a scenario—whether that’s a threesome, a power dynamic, or something more elaborate—can offer many of the same psychological elements of excitement and anticipation without requiring immediate action.
12. DD/lg
A form of age play, DD/lg (Daddy Dom/little girl) involves a dominant partner taking on a caregiving or authority role while the submissive partner consensually adopts a younger persona. Lynne notes that this dynamic often incorporates role play, specific language, and sometimes costuming.
As with other age-based role-play dynamics, the emphasis is on negotiated roles and explicit consent—not actual age.
13. Dominant and submissive
A dominant (Dom) is someone who enjoys taking control within a negotiated power dynamic, while a submissive (sub) derives pleasure from consensually giving up that control. The specific behaviors involved can vary widely—from physical acts like spanking to psychological dynamics such as praise, instruction, or humiliation.
For some people, these roles exist only within certain scenes; for others, they describe an ongoing part of how they relate to desire and intimacy. As Wright explains, kink isn’t inherently shocking—it’s information about what creates arousal, meaning, or connection for someone. In practice, Dom/sub dynamics are less about acting out stereotypes and more about intentional power exchange shaped by communication, trust, and mutual agreement.
14. Edge play
“Edge play in kink is any kind of activity that is further ‘out there’ and considered more dangerous,” Powell says. What qualifies varies by individual and community, but common examples include blood play, breath play, knife play, and needle play.
Because these practices carry elevated physical or psychological risk, they require advanced knowledge, preparation, and informed consent. Clear communication, risk awareness, and safety planning are central to responsible exploration.
15. Electrostimulation
As the name suggests, electrostimulation involves using controlled electrical currents for erotic sensation, often through specialized devices. In many scenarios, a dominant partner administers the stimulation, though it can also be used solo.
Because electrical play affects the body in powerful ways, it’s generally considered a form of edge play. Proper equipment, education, and explicit consent are essential, as misuse can cause injury. As with all high-risk kink activities, preparation and communication are key.
16. Erotic humiliation
Like many kinks, erotic humiliation exists on a spectrum. For some, it might involve a dominant partner consensually using degrading language during sex. For others, it can extend to more elaborate scenarios—such as role-playing embarrassment or being “made” to witness a partner with someone else. As with all humiliation-based dynamics, the key distinction is that it’s negotiated and desired, not imposed.
17. Exhibitionism
In a sexual context, “exhibitionism is a sexual kink in which the person feels sexual arousal at the idea or reality of being seen naked or engaged in sexual activities by others,” explains clinical sexologist Sarah Melancon, PhD. For some, that might mean enjoying a partner watching them masturbate or change clothes; for others, it’s the thrill of being observed that heightens the experience.
Importantly, ethical exhibitionism is always consensual and takes place in appropriate settings—never involving unsuspecting viewers. The excitement comes from being seen with permission, not from crossing boundaries.
18. Figging
“Figging is a sexual activity that involves placing ginger root in the anus or vagina to create a deliberate burning sensation,” Julieta Chiara previously told Cosmo. The resulting heat can feel intense and is often incorporated into BDSM scenes as a form of consensual pain play.
Because the sensation can escalate quickly, preparation and communication matter. Understanding anatomy, using fresh ginger, and checking in frequently can help ensure the experience stays intentional rather than overwhelming.
19. FinDom
Short for financial domination, FinDom involves a submissive transferring money or assets to a dominant as part of a negotiated power exchange. “This act signifies a profound transfer of power and control,” psychologist Nazanin Moali, PhD, previously told Cosmo. Unlike traditional gift-giving, FinDom centers on the erotic charge of demand, surrender, and financial control within agreed-upon boundaries.
As with other forms of power exchange, clarity around limits, expectations, and financial safety is crucial.
20. Fisting
Fisting refers to the gradual insertion of a full hand into the vagina or rectum. Despite the name, it’s less about force and more about patience, relaxation, and plenty of lubrication. People who enjoy it often describe the appeal as the feeling of fullness, stretch, and deep pressure rather than fast, surface-level stimulation.
21. Foot fetish
Foot fetishes are among the most commonly reported fetishes. People who are into feet may enjoy activities like touching, massaging, kissing, or otherwise focusing attention on them as a central source of arousal. Some incorporate power dynamics, such as foot “worship,” while others are drawn more to the sensory aspect—the look, smell, or tactile experience.
22. Gagging
For some people, gagging is part of the appeal of intense oral sex. The reaction itself—the sound, the physical reflex, the sense of surrender—can heighten the moment for one or both partners. In certain dynamics, it’s also tied to themes of vulnerability or power exchange, depending on what the people involved find arousing.
23. Golden showers and piss play
Golden showers are a form of piss play, also known as urophilia, which involves incorporating urine into a sexual context. This can include being urinated on, urinating on a partner, or integrating wetting into a broader scene or dynamic. For those who enjoy it, the appeal may be psychological (taboo, trust, or power exchange) as much as physical.
24. Group sex
Group sex refers to sexual experiences involving more than two participants, such as threesomes, orgies, or swinging. Some people are drawn to the novelty, variety of sensation, or exhibitionistic aspect of being with multiple partners at once, while others enjoy the collaborative or social dimension of shared sexual energy.
25. Hypnokink
Hypnokink, sometimes called erotic hypnosis, involves incorporating hypnotic techniques—such as guided relaxation, suggestion, or role play involving altered states of awareness—into a sexual context. For some, it overlaps with BDSM because it can involve consensual power exchange; for others, it’s more about deepening focus, fantasy, or emotional connection during intimacy.
26. Impact play
Think spanking, but expanded. Impact play refers to consensual striking of the body, whether with a hand, paddle, crop, or whip. For many people, the draw isn’t just the sensation itself but the buildup, rhythm, and negotiated power dynamic that surround it. Because intensity can vary widely, partners usually agree on boundaries and pacing ahead of time.
27. Katoptronophilia
Derived from the Greek word for mirror (katoptron), katoptronophilia describes arousal connected to watching oneself—usually during sex or masturbation—in a mirror. The visual feedback can heighten awareness, turning the experience into something that feels both performative and deeply personal.
28. Macrophilia
Macrophilia involves sexual fantasies centered on giant people—whether a “giant” or “giantess”—Melancon previously told Cosmo. These scenarios typically exist in fantasy or erotica and may include themes of extreme size difference, power imbalance, or being overpowered. In some communities, it overlaps with concepts like vore.
29. Melolagnia
For some, sound is the main event. Melolagnia refers to sexual arousal triggered by music itself—rhythm, tone, or melody—rather than just setting the mood. Certain sounds can create an emotional and physical response that becomes part of someone’s arousal pattern.
30. Money kink
It’s less about the cash and more about what it represents. A money kink centers on arousal tied to power, status, luxury, or control. As Melancon explains, the turn-on comes from the symbolism surrounding wealth, not simply enjoying nice things.
31. Needle play
Needle play, sometimes called piercing play, involves temporarily piercing the skin with sterile needles as part of a consensual S/M dynamic. Participants often describe the appeal as the mix of adrenaline, vulnerability, and heightened sensation. Because it carries additional physical risk, it’s generally considered a form of edge play and requires careful preparation and experience.
32. Nylon kink
Often overlapping with foot fetishes, a nylon kink centers on attraction to stockings or hosiery—the way they look, feel, or enhance touch. Some people enjoy wearing them, others enjoy interacting with a partner who is. Like many material-focused fetishes, the fabric itself becomes part of the sensory experience rather than just an accessory.
33. Objectification
As a kink, objectification involves consensually being treated as an object rather than a person, often as part of a negotiated power dynamic. This can include role play, specific language, or scenarios that emphasize surrender or depersonalization in an erotic context.
34. Objectum kink
Not to be confused with objectification, objectum refers to attraction directed toward inanimate objects themselves. People who identify with this interest may experience emotional, romantic, or sexual feelings connected to specific objects rather than using them symbolically within partnered play.
35. Orgasm control
Orgasm control centers on one partner guiding when—or if—the other climaxes. It can take many forms, including edging, delayed release, orgasm denial, ruined orgasms, or intentionally interrupted stimulation. For many, the draw is the anticipation and heightened awareness that builds throughout the experience.
36. Ownership kink
Ownership is a type of D/s dynamic in which the dominant partner “owns” their submissive. This could include Master/slave play, Owner/pet play, or even just involve acts like a submissive partner wearing a collar during sex or being led on a leash. Some partners in an ownership dynamic may only engage with it intermittently during a given sexual encounter, while others may engage with it as a core aspect of their sexual relationship or even take it outside the bedroom.
37. Praise kink
A praise kink centers on verbal affirmation as a source of arousal. Being called a “good girl,” “good boy,” or otherwise encouraged can heighten emotional intimacy and reinforce the power dynamic between partners.
38. Pregnancy fetish
As you might have guessed, a pregnancy fetish is having an intense sexual attraction to some (or all) aspects of pregnancy. For some people, it might be the round belly, whereas for others, it could be the lactation, whether it’s the actual act of breastfeeding or the milk itself.
39. Primal kink
Primal play is a form of sexual activity in which partners leave behind the more “rational” or “logical” sides of themselves and tap into their animal instincts. This might involve animal role play, grunting, snarling, or other animal-like noises. Not all primal play is non-verbal, but it often is.
40. Quirofilia
Someone with this kink might be attracted to hands/fingers themselves, hands/fingers doing certain things, or a specific kind of manicure. As is the case with all kinks or fetishes, how it plays out/is experienced varies from person to person. Generally speaking, however, quirofilia means you’re into hands/fingers/nails in some regard.
41. Robot fetish
For some people, the fantasy isn’t about another human at all. A robot fetish centers on attraction to artificial or human-like technology—think androids, cyborgs, or hyper-realistic sex dolls. Sometimes the draw is the aesthetic; other times it’s the idea of control, programmability, or a partner who exists outside traditional human dynamics.
42. Role play
Role-playing is one of the most common kinks and involves playing characters outside of your day-to-day life, usually as part of a sex scene. This can range from pretending to be the boss of your partner, channeling your favorite TV character, or creating a completely unique scenario.
43. Rope bondage
Rope bondage adds physical restraint to the mix, often as part of a broader BDSM dynamic. It can be straightforward—wrists tied behind the back—or highly stylized, like shibari, the Japanese rope practice known for its intricate patterns and deliberate placement. For some, the appeal is restriction; for others, it’s the artistry.
44. Sadism and masochism
Some people are turned on by giving sensation. Others are turned on by receiving it. Sadism and masochism focus specifically on consensual exchanges of pain, intensity, or psychological edge. While these dynamics often overlap with dominance and submission, they aren’t identical—someone can enjoy pain without identifying as dominant or submissive.
45. Sex parties
Some people are voyeurs, some are exhibitionists, and others get off on the entire idea of a sex party. Not only can attending such an event allow you to show off, watch others, or both, but it’s an ideal place to enjoy group sex or integrate yourself into your local sex-positive community. For many, the appeal is equal parts erotic and social.
46. Spectrophilia
Whether or not you believe ghosts exist, the attraction to them is very real. Spectrophilia refers to sexual attraction to—or even horny experiences/relationships with—ghosts or otherworldly figures. Whether explored through fantasy, storytelling, or imagination, it reflects how desire can attach to mystery, power, and the unknown.
47. Sploshing
Texture can be its own kind of foreplay. Sploshing involves arousal tied to being covered in—or interacting with—messy substances, often foods like pudding, frosting, or gelatin. The emphasis tends to be sensory and visual rather than explicitly penetrative.
48. Temperature play
A cube of ice. A warm breath. A cooled metal toy. Temperature play is an erotic form of consensual sensation play that uses heat and cold to amplify sensation. The contrast sharpens the body’s awareness, turning subtle touch into something far more noticeable.
49. Tentacle stuff
Some people are drawn to creatures—real or imagined—with tentacles or other exaggerated anatomy, a theme that shows up frequently in sci-fi and fantasy erotica. The appeal is often less about the literal creature and more about the surreal, boundary-pushing nature of the scenario.
50. Trichophilia
Hair can be a surprisingly strong focus of attraction. Trichophilia refers to an erotic response to hair—on the head, chest, pubic area, or elsewhere—whether that’s touching it, seeing it, or incorporating it into sexual play. Like many fetishes, it centers on a specific sensory detail rather than an act itself.
51. Vomit fetish
Also known as emetophilia, this fetish involves arousal connected to the act or imagery of vomiting. While it may sound unusual to some, it falls into the broader category of interests where bodily experiences become eroticized for specific individuals.
52. Vore
Short for vorarephilia, a vore fetish eroticizes the act of consuming and/or being consumed, Celina Criss, PhD, a sex coach specializing in BDSM, previously told Cosmo. While a cannibalism kink is a form of vore, the former tends to focus more specifically on cooking/eating a sexual partner, while vore fantasies as a whole are more about the desire to be swallowed/consumed whole.
53. Voyeurism
“Voyeurism is getting sexual excitement from watching others when they are naked or engaging in sex acts,” says Jill McDevitt, PhD, CalExotics sexologist. And while the pleasure is most commonly derived from watching others, the dynamic can also extend to listening to or hearing about sexual experiences, emphasizing observation over participation.
54. Wax play
Wax play uses warm candle wax to create shifting sensations of heat, anticipation, and texture on the skin. The experience is less about pain and more about contrast—the slow drip, the temperature change, and the heightened awareness that comes with it—which is why it’s often categorized as sensation play within BDSM.
As Wright explains, many people are drawn to kink not just for a specific act, but for the feeling it creates, whether that’s excitement, surrender, or playfulness. Wax play tends to fall into that category, offering a controlled way to experiment with intensity while staying focused on shared experience and communication.
55. 24/7
While people may generally identify as a submissive or dominant, some partners take it to the next level and enter a 24/7 arrangement, meaning that the consensual power exchange occurs full-time, often while living together. The dominant and submissive roles are not only taken on for a scene, which may last just a few hours, but on a 24/7 basis.
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