However, you can use various terms depending on the context and the specific type of crowd:
General:
* A throng (suggests a large, dense crowd)
* A multitude (implies a very large number of people)
* A mass (can also suggest a large, undifferentiated group)
Specific types of crowds:
* An audience (for a performance, lecture, etc.)
* A congregation (for a religious gathering)
* A gathering (a general term for any group of people)
* A mob (suggests a disorderly or aggressive crowd)
* A swarm (for a crowd that moves in a chaotic or unorganized manner)
Ultimately, the best collective noun to use will depend on the specific situation and the tone you want to convey.