Question: what are the distinguishing characteristics of a social groups?
Answer: Mutual Awareness: The members of a social group must be mutually related to one another. ... 
One or more Common Interests: ADVERTISEMENTS: ... 
Sense of Unity: ... 
We-feeling: ... 
Similarity of Behaviour: ... 
Group Norms: ... 
Closeness or Physical Proximity: ... 
Smallness: