The Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (T.A.R.S.) is a longitudinal study funded by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and conducted by the sociological research team of Peggy C. Giordano, Monica A. Longmore, and Wendy D. Manning. This study explores the relationship qualities and the subjective meanings that motivate adolescent behavior. More specifically, this study seeks to examine the nature and meaning of adolescent relationship experiences (e.g., family, peers, and dating partners) in an effort to discover how experiences associated with age, gender, and race and ethnicity influence the meaning of dating relationships. The study further investigates the relative impact of dating partners and peers on sexual behavior and contraceptive practices, as well as involvement in other problem behaviors that can contribute independently to sexual risk taking.