According to dunphy, the third step in the sequence of male–female relationships during childhood and adolescence is the development of

According to Dunphy, the third step in the sequence of male–female relationships during childhood and adolescence is the development of small mixed-sex groups.

Dunphy argued that in adolescence, small mixed-sex friendship groups usually precede male-female romantic relationships. When children are younger (pre-pubescent) they typically have less interest in forming friendships with children of the opposite sex. However, post-adolescence, they tend to be part of mixed-sex friendship groups.