This issue explores the latest developments in the application of sociometric methodology to the study of peer relations, exploring how the seminal work of Jacob Moreno has been and is being used in child development research. Emphasizing the bilateral nature of peer relationships, the issue presents two different approaches for taking into account the characteristics of the perceivers who are providing sociometric evaluations: the use of unlimited nominations and the use of ratings instead of nominations. The contributors offer both a conceptual and an empirical analysis of the fundamental sociometric dimensions of acceptance, rejection and social preference - and they summarize what is known about the stability over time of sociometric status categories. This is the 88th issue of the quarterly journal "New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development".