Obedience to the leaders is mandatory. Individuality is viewed as bad and conformity within the group is good. There is a dependence on the group. Lavish attention and love is shown to new or prospective members. There is an unwritten rule that members must not discuss any negative feelings they may have about the group.
Members shun ex-members.
Adherents to these groups fail to realize that they are in a cult and under mind control. Often the leaders are the most brainwashed of all. This is not a CULT like Heavenly Gate where people willingly lay down to die for what they believe in.