In chapter 3, Pony sees with clarity the conflict that can come from social differences. He and his friends meet Cherry and Marcia, and everyone seems to enjoy getting to know more about each other. Pony and Cherry engage in some deep conversation, even diving into their class differences. Cherry relates that she thinks that more than money separates them; perhaps the Socs can't feel anything anymore because they have nothing left to wish for. As they walk, Cherry and Marcia's boyfriends (Randy and Bob) spot them, and conflict erupts. When Bob calls the greasers "bums," the conflict intensifies, and Pony and Two-Bit grab a broken bottle and a knife. Cherry hates fighting, so she and Marcia agree to get into the car with Bob and Randy after all—but not before Cherry tells Pony that she can't be seen with him (although she does like hanging out with him).

The entire experience leaves Pony feeling a little uncertain of his place in the world, so he spends some time hanging out with Johnny in an empty lot. They continue to reflect on this seemingly upside-down world of theirs, and Johnny comments, "It seems like there's gotta be someplace without greasers or Socs, with just people. Plain, ordinary people." Pony ends up falling asleep and dreams of the country, where he thinks life must be better. Johnny wakes him up a bit later, and when he gets home, Darry is frantic because it's 2 a.m.—and he was about to call the police.