DEFINING 'KINK' & 'FETISH"
In order to understand the differences between the two terms, we must first look at each of their individual definitions.
KINK
A kink is something that arouses or stimulates us that might otherwise be considered outside the 'norm'. The term 'kink' itself derives from the contrast to 'straight' or 'vanilla' sexual behavior - implying that a kink is any unconventional sexual interest. Because the term 'kink' is highly subjective, the definition of it varies so widely to encompass a large range of sexual boundaries.
FETISH
Erotic fetishism is described as a sexual fixation on a non-living object or non-genital part of the body. More broadly, fetish can also include a sexual act itself. The fetish occurs when it becomes apparent that arousal or enjoyment of sexual experience is no longer considered as satisfying when the fetish is not present.
DISTINCTION & OVERLAP
Some have drawn the distinction between the two terms as kink being something that enhances sexual partner intimacy, while fetish replaces it. The overlap of the two terms has led those who have sexual fetishes or engage in the BDSM community have adopted the term 'kink' as a synonym for their practices.