Findings of the study extend previous work on links between peer and dating affiliations to show how standing and influence among peers may unfold in the emergence of early adolescent romantic interests. The results enhance the understanding of specific relationship and partner characteristics that are related to problem behaviors. The findings suggest that early in adolescence having a romantic partner is related to high status and leadership in the peer group, as well as to problem behaviors. This study addressed three questions related to links among peer standing, early adolescent romantic relationships, and problem behaviors: (1) did peer status and leadership predict early adolescents' involvement in romantic relationships; (2) did being involved in a romantic relationship in early adolescence predict problem behaviors; and (3) for adolescents involved in a romantic relationship, did characteristics of the partner and the relationship relate to problem behaviors. In addition, it investigated whether these associations were moderated by gender. The study sample consisted of 320 seventh-grade students with the participants' part of a larger study of peer social influences on substance use and other problem behaviors. Tables, notes, and references