Terminology clarification: stations are NPC-controlled dockable entities. Some are of the kickout variety and have such short undock runways that re-docking may be perilous.
You can be destroyed anywhere near any stations in space of any security level. Consider making instant-dock & undock bookmarks for stations you frequent.
The eight dockable player-owned structures (e.g. Astrahus, Fortizar) offer tethering (if cored and non-abandoned) but still have docking radii, beyond which tether breaks.
If you are AFK on tether, your ship can be bumped off tether and then destroyed. Dock up if AFK. Deep-tether bookmarks are also useful on structures you frequent.
Stations and structures are also distinct from player-owned starbases aka POS. These all have related functions/roles, but they are not the same.