Groups with reference to confidences (7)
I believe the answer is:
secrets
'confidences' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'groups with reference' is the wordplay.
'groups' becomes 'sects' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'with' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'reference' becomes 're' (I've seen this in other clues).
'sects' going around 're' is 'SECRETS'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for secrets that I've seen before include "Hidden facts" , "Confidential data" , "Concealed facts" , "They're not to be disclosed to others" , "Undivulged facts" .)