zfs send --backup switch

[Rivers47]

From the documentation

Sends only received property values whether or not they are overridden by local settings, but only if the dataset has ever been received. Use this option when you want zfs receive to restore received properties backed up on the sent dataset and to avoid sending local settings that may have nothing to do with the source dataset, but only with how the data is backed up.

Could there be a more clear explanantion or concrete examples? What does it mean by "if the dataset has ever been received"? How can the sending side know whether it's been received?

For instance for the --replicate switch

Generate a replication stream package, which will replicate the specified file system, and all descendent file systems, up to the named snapshot. When received, all properties, snapshots, descendent file systems, and clones are preserved.

If someone wants to "backup" then they'd probably use -R as well, if I use -R and -b together then what properties are sent/stored?