Data were collected from school-based interviews at three middle schools and two alternative education centers during the spring and summer of 1997. From 533 completed interviews, a sample of 96 students who identified themselves as current, former, or associate gang members was selected. Each of the 96 students was interviewed individually, and the interviews allowed the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data on reasons for joining gangs. Results showed gang membership appeared to be transient. Few differences were noted between current, former, or associate gang members. In addition, substantial differences related to gang leaders and rules did not exist between younger and older gang members, and gangs did not seem to be well-organized in that they had a weak hold on members. Implications of the results for prevention and intervention among young gang members are discussed, and the authors suggest gang interventions may be more successful if they target adolescents as individuals rather than as gang members. 35 references, 1 note, and 4 tables