Street fighting is a term to denote spontaneous, hand-to-hand violence between individuals or small groups of people and is usually intended to result in injury and submission but not death (although death may inadvertently occur). It often results from a dispute and can stem from group association, harassment, or bullying.

Street fighting is distinct from sport fighting, boxing and martial arts because the latter are governed by a set of sporting association rules (although in street fighting some code of honor may exist between the participants).

Street fighting is distinct terrorism, riots, protests and warfare because the latter are intended to affect the general public or political environment.

Violent incidents involving firearms are not street fights although firearms may be introduced into street fights.