RTSP is used for controlling streaming media over the web. It allows for audio and video-on-demand streaming to large groups. RTSP uses directives like OPTIONS, DESCRIBE, SETUP, PLAY, PAUSE, and TEARDOWN to control the stream. SDP is used to describe the metadata of the stream, including information like the session name, connection details, media formats, and attributes. Common RTSP operations include requesting information with OPTIONS, retrieving the SDP description with DESCRIBE, setting up transports with SETUP, starting and pausing playback with PLAY and PAUSE, and terminating the session with TEARDOWN.