Hate or bias crimes are criminal acts, like asssault, carried out against someone because of some part of their identity that the offender objects to - like their race, or religion, or sexual orientation.

Most hate crimes are committed by one or a few individuals, not organized groups. Young people commit way more hate crimes than any other groups. Hurting others seems to make them feel more powerful, at a time in their lives when they don't have much power and may feel confused or angry, or lack self-esteem.