Pre-drinking is the practice of consuming alcohol, usually in a private residence, prior to a social event, and is often linked to excessive alcohol consumption in a short period. Like other patterns of heavy episodic drinking, pre-drinking has deleterious health and social effects including risk of accidents, involvement in social disorder, and reduced functioning. Studies investigating pre-drinking determinants have been informed by theories of motivation and social cognition. Studies have established inebriation and 'having fun', instrumentality (cost, alcohol availability), social enhancement/social ease/conviviality, intimate pursuit, perceived barriers, implicit alcohol identity, and perceived control as determinants of pre-drinking. There are few theory-based interventions to reduce pre-drinking, and interventions have typically had modest effects. Future intervention research needs identify appropriate change techniques and account for socio-structural determinants of pre-drinking.