Group vs. Crowd vs. Mob vs. Audience

Group:
- A group refers to a collection of individuals who interact with each other, share common interests, and have a sense of belonging.
- In a group, there is typically some level of organization or structure, and members may have specific roles or relationships with each other.

Crowd:
- A crowd is a larger collection of people gathered in a specific location for a common purpose or event.
- Crowds are usually less organized than groups and may not have the same level of cohesion or interaction among members.
- In a crowd, individuals may not necessarily know each other or have any personal connection.

Mob:
- A mob is a large, unruly group of people who are often driven by a common emotion or goal, such as anger, excitement, or fear.
- Mobs can be chaotic, violent, and unpredictable, with individuals acting impulsively or irrationally.
- Unlike a crowd, a mob may pose a threat to public safety and can lead to destructive behavior.

Audience:
- An audience is a group of people who are gathered to watch or listen to a performance, presentation, or event.
- Unlike a crowd or mob, an audience is typically focused on a specific activity or source of entertainment.
- Members of an audience may have a passive role, such as observing or listening, rather than actively participating in the event.

In the context of a roadside performer attracting a collection of people, it would be classified as a crowd. The individuals are gathered in a specific location to watch the performer, but they may not necessarily have a strong connection or interaction with each other. The focus is on the common activity of enjoying the performance, making it a crowd rather than a group, mob, or audience.