Perception in combat - distraction or not?

[MoshiMaro]

I've got a question concerning the use of perception in combat.

In the perception modifier table there is the following modifier:
Creature making the check is distracted - DC modifier +5

Does being in combat constitute being distracted?

I know there are other wordings stating you are faced with no threats or distractions(Take 20 description) thereby making an explicit distinction between the two. So would the absence of the word
threat... in the perception description imply there is no modifier whilst in combat?

IMO threatened should be considered more severe than distraction but that's just my common sense.

If it were - then would being in initiative constitute being distracted or only whilst actually threatened (for instance when in melee)

I'm very curious whether there are rulings on this subject or if it's up to the GM to decide.

[Are]

You would be distracted if the perception check relates to a situation outside the combat you're in.

If the perception check relates to a situation in the combat itself, you're not distracted, as you're already focused on the combat.

[HectorVivis]

I often use the +5 for an event in the fight if someone is threatening the character.

[Eridan]

It depends on the situation and is a GM decision.

You fight with an orc and outside of the fight a bag of rice falls prone.
To notice the falling bag you get a +5 for distration on your perception DC on my table.
To notice that the orc is only a half orc in disguise you don't get a +5.

[Mysterious Stranger]

Eridan wrote:

It depends on the situation and is a GM decision.

You fight with an orc and outside of the fight a bag of rice falls prone.
To notice the falling bag you get a +5 for distration on your perception DC on my table.
To notice that the orc is only a half orc in disguise you don't get a +5.

I agree with this. You would not be considered distracted by anything involved in, or possibly involved in the combat. For things outside the combat you would be distracted. Someone sneaking around, or casting a spell would be considered part of the combat as you are expecting threats.

I could see if someone in the combat is trying to distract you then maybe that would work. The person trying to distract you would probably need to make a bluff, or intimidate roll.