Neil Smelser suggested a theory of structural strain that links existing social conditions to the emergence of collective behavior.
 
 crowd
 
 a temporary grouping of individuals who are physically close enough to engage in social interaction
 
 
 
 mob
 
 a special type of crowd that is wildly out of control and is intent on doing violence and harm
 
 
 
 casual crowd
 
 a type of crowd that consists of people who are passive and have a low emotional engagement and little social interaction with those nearby