Hey HD, In answer to your question, clans aren't quite the same as groups. You can find a full list of features here in our [url=http://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/18405/68265984/0/0]FAQ and Guide for Groups/Clans/Alliances[/url], as well as how to go about creating a group and activating your clan.

Clans are MUCH bigger than groups and you have a more tools and perks in clans such as a "ranking system". To make a group go to the loading/home screen and then open the sidebar. Then click on the box "groups". Close the side bar and at the top of the page you should see "create group". Click on that. For more help or any questions reply to this post or directly message me!