ABSTRACT
In the introductory chapter of our volume on adolescent romantic relationships (Brown, Feiring, & Furman, 1999), we suggested that studying these romantic ventures is somewhat like chasing a greased pig. The adolescent peer culture is notoriously evanescent. Romantic relationships can be short-lived. They can end and restart—repeatedly. The norms regarding what these relationships are supposed to be like keep changing. Once upon a time ago, the boy asked the girl out in advance for a formal date on a Saturday night. That still happens, but it only constitutes a small proportion of romantic interactions. When adolescents tell peers that they “hooked-up” with someone, they are leaving some ambiguity about exactly what happened, often intentionally. In effect, dating and adolescent romantic relationships are notoriously slippery.
