Relationships between measures of sociometric status (SMS) and the behavior of preschool children were investigated. SMS was assessed through use of a comprehensive ranking technique that obtained data on each child from every other child in the sample. Measures of SMS included number of first nominations received (as "best friend"), number of last nominations received, and mean ranking. For each child, an SMS measure was calculated with data from the entire sample and from the child's immediate peer group. Children's type of play, verbal interactions, and involvement in behavioral events were observed and recorded. Participating were 13 boys and 13 girls between the ages of 38 and 64 months attending a university laboratory school. Results of correlational analyses indicated that SMS was associated with percentage of free time spent in interactive play, frequency of speaking to adults and other children, and quantity of interactions with other children. A high rate of one-to-one interactions between children and adults was inversely related to SMS. Rankings based on the entire sample were more sensitive than those based on the immediate peer group. Number of first nominations was the best predictor of type of play behavior; last nominations and mean ranking were better predictors of quantity of verbal interactions with peers and adults. The frequencies of a variety of positive and negative interactions were positively correlated with SMS. (Author/RH)