What does "peer pressure" refer to?

Peer pressure refers to the influence that individuals of similar age or social standing exert on one another, particularly those within a close-knit group or community. Specifically, when discussing how peer interaction can shape someone's choices, attitudes, or behaviors, the term highlights the attempts by peers to encourage conformity to certain norms, values, or actions. This can manifest in various scenarios, such as trying to persuade someone to engage in certain activities, adopt particular beliefs, or act in a specific manner that aligns with the group's expectations or desires.

In contrast, encouragement from parents, influence from teachers, and support from community leaders are examples of guidance or influence that come from authority figures or external sources, which do not fit the core concept of peer pressure, as it specifically involves the dynamic between individuals of similar age or status.