I think these latter definitions are closer to my particular truth.

(But, by my definition,) A bottom doesn't submit. S/he negotiates with a top or dom for the term of a single session, or for several session, but is only the recipient of said attentions during the individual scene(s). It is done for mutual pleasure but does not require obedience and is not about relinquishing control. A bottom retains control. For the sake of receiving pleasure at the hands of another, a dominant can even bottom to a submissive, who performs the role of top as a service. (Often called a "service top".)

A submissive relinquishes control over large portions of an ongoing relationship. Is obedient. (By that definition, you need other terms for those who are Princesses, or have Daddies. Though those fall within accepted D/s relationships, they are "sub-centric" and by my definition, that's something different. By my definition, D/s really has to be dom-centric. (N.B. I get into a lot of arguments about that.... so if you want to discuss that, start a new thread and call me out, but leave it out of this one. But I'm willing to be convinced... if you pose the right argument.)

And perhaps, the "difference" between sub and slave is that a slave relinquishes control of larger portions of their life. That of course, begs the question, where does the relationship end and "the rest of your life" begin.

But between bottom and the other two, sub or slave, the main difference is about control. A bottom really never gives it up... imo.