The study shows that young men view the way they consume alcohol ("drink") to be different from young women's drinking, which has important policy implications for a gender-focused approach to harm minimization from alcohol use. Younger men viewed drunkenness as an important element of drinking, and the associated behaviors and consequences were valued within their group. As they matured, however, the consequences of being drunk became less acceptable, and their views on what constituted "a good night out" changed. Young men not only viewed women's drinking as an expression of independence but also as a means of gaining acceptance in a traditionally masculine social culture, as well as a way of overcoming insecurities and increasing sociability. Young men also viewed women's drinking and getting drunk as an excuse or justification for their own drinking behavior. There was a consensus among the men that although the reasons that young men and women drink are similar, their behaviors while intoxicated are different. Young men were viewed as becoming more physical (louder and more aggressive) while young women become more emotional (crying and sharing confidences). Binge drinking by young women was viewed as less acceptable than for young men. The study used a qualitative methodology. Ten focus groups and 12 indepth "life-trajectory" interviews were conducted. Respondents were between the ages of 16 and 24. 2 tables and 29 references