Dating violence is a social problem that significantly impacts adolescents. Dating violence among adolescents does not necessarily adhere to the same patterns and nature as dating violence among adults, thus it is important to study this phenomenon from the perspective of adolescents. The authors conducted 7 focus groups over the course of 4 months with 54 middle-school boys and girls who lived and went to school in an urban setting. Participants were adolescents between the ages of 11 and 13 years who were recruited from community centers and attended the focus groups either at their schools or at the community centers. Focus group topics consisted of students' perceptions of dating norms, outside influences on dating norms, elements of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and prevention strategies. Content analysis of the focus group transcripts indicate that violence is relatively common in the everyday lives of young adolescents and, moreover, they appear desensitized to the occurrence of violence in their lives. Four key themes emerged that shed light on the adolescents' perceptions of dating violence: (1) respect versus disrespect; (2) peer influence on dating behavior; (3) costs and benefits of sexual behavior; and (4) violence as an acceptable response. Prevention efforts should incorporate these themes into presentations to promote healthy relationships. Primary prevention should target young adolescents before they become involved in dating violence. References