The relationship between Johnny and Dally is meant to contrast with the relationship between Ponyboy and Darry. The two sets of characters are foils for one another. Through Johnny and Dally we see how things could have turned out for Ponyboy and Darry if their circumstances and attitudes were slightly skewed. Hinton allows us to see both outcomes through two sets of characters. Johnny's mentor is a good guy who makes bad choices, and Ponyboy's mentor is a good guy who makes good choices.
This light/dark distinction in the younger characters is even shown in their hair color, early in the book when the two younger boys are hiding in the abandoned church. Johnny keeps his hair dark while Ponyboy's hair is bleached blonde to disguise them. In the movie version this distinction is visually very clear. Ponyboy's purity and Johnny's taint of malice or darkness or whatever you may call it each comes through quite well.
Side note: I am always very suspicious of characters with the initials J.C. in novels, especially when they die in those novels and this somehow redeems other characters. Religious allegory, anyone?
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