Pitiful! Oh, Boo-Ho: silly-ass blubbering, NOT A real SPANKING British used Best of 6 or Best of 12 strokes of the cane. Wimpy ass spanking. Not real Punishment, use the hairbrush and make it about really slapping his ass till it is cherry red!
I think you're right, although both play (obviously) and real punishment can still be sexual. If I submit to your punishment then I'm submitting my whole body and mind to you to do as you will. Punishment is far sexier to me.