peer group

noun

1. a group of people, usually of similar age, background, and social status, with whom a person associates and who are likely to influence the person’s beliefs and behavior.

noun

1. a social group composed of individuals of approximately the same age

A group of people who share certain social characteristics, such as age, class, occupation, or education, and interact on a level of equality. An individual may be a member of several peer groups, including friends, schoolmates, and coworkers. Peer groups are important in socialization, as individuals attempt to conform to the expectations of their peer groups. (See conformity and peer pressure.)