1. LvL 8 - 9 first dragon, top lane is MIA
A lot of smarter pubbers will get all five to do dragon at this time. This is around the lvl where the jungle is tanky enough to do the dragon without becoming dangerously low on HP. If you can organize your team to 5 man the dragon at this time it's an easy way to net your first team fight win. If your team is out of position and you're trying to defend dragon with 2-3 people don't do it, it's suicide.
2. They out number you
Self explanatory I guess. The biggest reason people do this is because they have DOTA habits. In DOTA heroes do more damage so in an ambush situation the element of surprise will often mean you can make a 3v4 fight 3v3 right off the bat. This doesn't happen in LOL. In a 3 ambushing 4 fight, a champ will often survive the burst and still be able to get off his abilities.
There are few exceptions, kiting and poking are ok... Shaco, Leblanc, Nidalee and Kassadin come to mind.
3. After you finish Baron
Do not go straight from baron and push center. Blue pill first, buy pots/items, do neutrals and maximize your advantage. This is your chance to win, don't squander it.
I don't know how many times I've seen baron done then 2-3 champs run straight down the center with 75% HP. I don't get it.
4. Your teammate has been poked down to 60%
Defend and let your teammate heal
5. Solo top lane lvl 5+ with no ward
Dude, he's baiting you and the jungler is there...
6. Bad positioning and your teammate is dead but the rest of you are nearby
This is debatable--if they blew all their big cool-downs this maybe a good time to fight. However, generally they don't need to do that in a 5-1 situation, so just go home and defend.