Relationship dissolution is generally examined within the context of romantic involvement but rarely from the standpoint of friendship. To examine patterns of friendship dissolution in young adults, retrospective accounts of recently terminated or deteriorated same-sex friendships and changes in friendship networks over the last 5 years were examined for 155 college students. Four patterns of friendship dissolution were identified: physical separation, new friends replace old, growing to dislike the friend, and interference from dating or marriage. The transition to college resulted in a higher rate of deteriorated friendships than was evident during the high school years, particularly for women. Significant gender differences in patterns of termination were also found; physical separation was more likely to precipitate dissolution in men's friendships, and dating or marriage were more likely to interfere with women's. In addition, women assumed significantly more responsibility for the termination than men. The findings suggest that previous experience with long distance or absent friends is a factor which should be considered when exploring termination patterns. (Author/JAC)