Who are the "masses"?

Many people make reference to “the masses”. It is almost always used negatively, to imply that they are separate from the masses and are above the masses.

But who exactly are the “masses” and what makes someone separate from them?

Do you feel you are separate from them? Why? Do you think most people make reference to the masses? Does that mean that many people just fool themselves into thinking they are not part of the masses?

Do the masses even exist?

(Lost of questions, don’t feel like you need to answer them all. I’m curious to hear any and all thoughts on this issue).