This study examines associations among adolescent drinking, young adult drinking, and romantic partner drinking through selection and socialization processes in young adult dating, cohabiting, and marital relationships. Hierarchical regression analyses, using data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 1132), demonstrated significant selection and socialization effects for young adult romantic partner drinking. Moderating effects indicated that romantic partner drinking significantly predicted young adult drinking within dating and cohabiting relationships, but not within married relationships. Both young adult women and men had positive associations between their own and partners' drinking, but this association was significantly stronger for males. Continuing to study the effects of romantic partners on risky behaviors during adolescence and young adults is warranted.
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