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To me, it sounds like the OP isn't talking about things like interviews or scavenger hunts... he is talking about things which would clearly fall under any definition of hazing, including activities which could lead to physical and mental abuse (push ups and mental abuse by actives trying to "motivate"). There is a difference for sure.
And sometimes its not what you do--its how long you make the new members do it, and what the consequences are if they refuse to do it or finish.
Since interviews were brought up--this is a great example of what I call an unhealthy tradition. It may not be hazing or dangerous in anyway, but it does create a "level" of sister versus active. Many unhealthy traditions, if modified, should not be considered hazing. So in the case of interviews, why not have the sister and new member meet for coffee one on one and interview each other? Accomplishes the same thing--the new member gets to know the active sister, but in a less hierarchical environment. And the active sister gets to know the new member better, too.
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