This cross-sectional study sought to understand how emerging adult college students currently in relationships experienced and dealt with COVID-19 stress during a key time for romantic relationship development.Using a relational turbulence theory (RTT) framework, we examined romantic relationship narratives in three different groups of students for indicators of uncertainty (break-up anxiety [BUA]), interference (conflict and negative emotion), facilitation (support), and coping strategies. Of particular interest was whether these indicators would vary as a function of when the stress of the pandemic was assumed to be more compared to less disruptive to relationships (Group 1 Fall 2020 and Group 2 Spring 2021, off campus/unvaccinated; Group 3 Fall 2021, on campus/vaccinated). As expected, students interviewed during periods when pandemic stress was assumed to be higher showed more break-up anxiety, increased conflict, and angry word use to describe Statement of relevance: Although emerging adulthood is an important time for romantic development, little is known about how partners (ages 18-25) experience disruption and growth when facing major external stressors, such as COVID-19. This cross-sectional study found partners interviewed during periods of greater COVID-19 stress described more conflict, anger, and break-up anxiety (BUA). Regardless of when they were interviewed, partners viewed COVID-19 as providing the opportunity for more support and relied on the use of media/technology to stay connected.Jessica O'Dell and Faith Cortright were students at The College of New Jersey when the research was conducted.