Hazing activities are generally regarded as actions that are physically or emotionally abusive, sexually violating, and/or hazardous.  The specific behaviors encompassed within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings.

Hazing behaviors can be divided into three subcategories based on the severity of the behaviors involved.

• SUBTLE HAZING: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and other members of the group or team. These types of hazing activities are often taken-for-granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics.
• HARASSMENT HAZING: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies.
• VIOLENT HAZING: Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm.

(Adapted from www.stophazing.org)