Whenever you feel uncertain about something in this hobby(like this woman's mention of a price, for example), my advice is pass.  If you're a newbie, your "gut feeling" is going to go through a conditioning process and you should be cautious in the early going.  On your other point, light (or any other kind) of S&M isn't illegal if both parites consent. It's only illegal if the woman doesn't want it.  Then, it's called "battery" and it's a crime.  But the whole hobby is a crime anyway, isn't it?!?