[How to choose a partner nowadays? A crucial question for the prevention of AIDS].

This article reviews the literature on choice of partner, with the aim of stimulating though about the aids prevention. The criteria involved in choosing a partner are discussed, and a model describing the process by which a couple meet, continue to see one another, and finally decide to live together is presented. This model shows that those times and situations where individuals are most likely to put themselves at risk of contracting aids cannot be identified. This implies that the whole process of partner choice is to be considered for preventive measures.