<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva, formerly WebFilings-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterests" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterests" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsActoilNpiRepurchaseDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsActoilNpiRepurchaseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsCollinsAndWallaceDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsCollinsAndWallaceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsProFormaResultsDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsProFormaResultsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsResoluteSaleDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsResoluteSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsSpanishTrailDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsSpanishTrailDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquity" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquityParenthetical" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfOperations" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CreditAgreement" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#CreditAgreement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CreditAgreementDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#CreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGrossAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsGrossAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsOutstandingPositionsDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsOutstandingPositionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShare" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareProFormaDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareProFormaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAssetRetirementObligationDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAssetRetirementObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOilAndNaturalGasDetails" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOilAndNaturalGasDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterests" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsActoilNpiRepurchaseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2820BAB96F2FDE36B445644B7350F13A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2820BAB96F2FDE36B445644B7350F13A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D4F3A11B79A8C75ABBA4644B73500215_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2820BAB96F2FDE36B445644B7350F13A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D4F3A11B79A8C75ABBA4644B73500215_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D4F3A11B79A8C75ABBA4644B73500215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_2820BAB96F2FDE36B445644B7350F13A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D4F3A11B79A8C75ABBA4644B73500215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ACTOILLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_D9980F57C99E4C940013644B73503A9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D4F3A11B79A8C75ABBA4644B73500215" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_D9980F57C99E4C940013644B73503A9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A51D4853FD5BD3BFD909644B735004DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A51D4853FD5BD3BFD909644B735004DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_8F29BCDE5C3ED2F86CC9644B7350694A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A51D4853FD5BD3BFD909644B735004DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_8F29BCDE5C3ED2F86CC9644B7350694A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_8F29BCDE5C3ED2F86CC9644B7350694A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A51D4853FD5BD3BFD909644B735004DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_8F29BCDE5C3ED2F86CC9644B7350694A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember_F7F62CA0048C594BEA7F644B73506728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_8F29BCDE5C3ED2F86CC9644B7350694A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember_F7F62CA0048C594BEA7F644B73506728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A48FDCC4B12F419D959C644B73500BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A48FDCC4B12F419D959C644B73500BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_081E5303469C88BC0B6B644B73501924_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A48FDCC4B12F419D959C644B73500BDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_081E5303469C88BC0B6B644B73501924_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_081E5303469C88BC0B6B644B73501924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A48FDCC4B12F419D959C644B73500BDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_081E5303469C88BC0B6B644B73501924" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_8477570ED79CB807C94F644B73508168" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_081E5303469C88BC0B6B644B73501924" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_8477570ED79CB807C94F644B73508168" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C313EB6E2F3CE478F236644B7350DC0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_7EC459ED25B723AE7C66644B7350E3C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C313EB6E2F3CE478F236644B7350DC0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1DD09CD4761A6ECE3ECC644B73508475_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C313EB6E2F3CE478F236644B7350DC0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1DD09CD4761A6ECE3ECC644B73508475_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1DD09CD4761A6ECE3ECC644B73508475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C313EB6E2F3CE478F236644B7350DC0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1DD09CD4761A6ECE3ECC644B73508475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_61D934FC0570999052E6644B73505805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1DD09CD4761A6ECE3ECC644B73508475" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_61D934FC0570999052E6644B73505805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage_4ACA535466DCA37A51A4644B7351A077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage_4ACA535466DCA37A51A4644B7351A077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_4F4A5DFDF3EF4A6A4F09644B73518F60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_4F4A5DFDF3EF4A6A4F09644B73518F60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedandIssuable" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedandIssuable_233490ADA5404E9B937A644B7351B48F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedandIssuable_233490ADA5404E9B937A644B7351B48F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesReleased" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesReleased_4C6E320E8F8192533A10644B7351A5D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesReleased_4C6E320E8F8192533A10644B7351A5D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredOilandGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredOilandGasProperty_91664DBD95D778716FE6644B735150FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredOilandGasProperty_91664DBD95D778716FE6644B735150FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredAssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredAssetRetirementObligation_B5B295A99DDC307B658F644B7351F73B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredAssetRetirementObligation_B5B295A99DDC307B658F644B7351F73B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredDeferredTaxAsset" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredDeferredTaxAsset_4F3B41B404C0EBA389B0644B7351DACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsConsiderationTransferredDeferredTaxAsset_4F3B41B404C0EBA389B0644B7351DACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds_E414812A8FF692A03384644B7351F867" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds_E414812A8FF692A03384644B7351F867" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_16B7EA5A7EE19DD06FBC64AE01FF5BA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_B7CB44256C23DDBEE4AE644B7350328E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_16B7EA5A7EE19DD06FBC64AE01FF5BA8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsCollinsAndWallaceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_92BA601B927F8B21B12273F81E4D17D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_92BA601B927F8B21B12273F81E4D17D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_92BA601B927F8B21B12273F81E4D17D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_92BA601B927F8B21B12273F81E4D17D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_MartinGlasscockandDawsonCountiesMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_MartinGlasscockandDawsonCountiesMember_DA576210BD9CBB8CC4B573F81E4E6B08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304" xlink:to="loc_rspp_MartinGlasscockandDawsonCountiesMember_DA576210BD9CBB8CC4B573F81E4E6B08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_GlasscockCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_GlasscockCountyMember_FA650907246091BE0ADF7421EDE45E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2CD6195F00D2C1AC316373F81E4E0304" xlink:to="loc_rspp_GlasscockCountyMember_FA650907246091BE0ADF7421EDE45E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A465613EDAC99421F62273F81E4E6817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A465613EDAC99421F62273F81E4E6817" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0F3C116CBF925B2AF9A273F81E4E4B70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A465613EDAC99421F62273F81E4E6817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0F3C116CBF925B2AF9A273F81E4E4B70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0F3C116CBF925B2AF9A273F81E4E4B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_A465613EDAC99421F62273F81E4E6817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0F3C116CBF925B2AF9A273F81E4E4B70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember_4CD97224BA7DC8FA8FE773F81E4EFB27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0F3C116CBF925B2AF9A273F81E4E4B70" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember_4CD97224BA7DC8FA8FE773F81E4EFB27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C57CD39ADFC41FCC32D373F81E4E2131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C57CD39ADFC41FCC32D373F81E4E2131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C57CD39ADFC41FCC32D373F81E4E2131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_C57CD39ADFC41FCC32D373F81E4E2131" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollinsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollinsMember_661BD4098CE03786371773F81E4EDC7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollinsMember_661BD4098CE03786371773F81E4EDC7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_WallaceLPMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_WallaceLPMember_E7F5726F64379A2D2BF573F81E4E42BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_268F3C32A40954996AF573F81E4E26FE" xlink:to="loc_rspp_WallaceLPMember_E7F5726F64379A2D2BF573F81E4E42BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4B214A04A511DDF560CC74223A1019C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7F0B2CFF74FC72FC865273F81E4D4CC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4B214A04A511DDF560CC74223A1019C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0AFD1967FB3998EC9FD27422B4F162AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4B214A04A511DDF560CC74223A1019C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0AFD1967FB3998EC9FD27422B4F162AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0AFD1967FB3998EC9FD27422B4F162AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_4B214A04A511DDF560CC74223A1019C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0AFD1967FB3998EC9FD27422B4F162AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_202E9B2514E444A776D67422F21195FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0AFD1967FB3998EC9FD27422B4F162AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_202E9B2514E444A776D67422F21195FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_41BCB6A8812B12355D1473F81E4E393D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_41BCB6A8812B12355D1473F81E4E393D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NumberofOilandGasPropertyAcquisitions" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NumberofOilandGasPropertyAcquisitions_577CDDEB859C94BA501573F81E4E75ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NumberofOilandGasPropertyAcquisitions_577CDDEB859C94BA501573F81E4E75ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsProvedProperties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsProvedProperties_8F87CC189871CA5029F573F81E4E8C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsProvedProperties_8F87CC189871CA5029F573F81E4E8C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_2726F205B592A82AF22A73F81E4E95B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_2726F205B592A82AF22A73F81E4E95B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_7589C66D58148012D66B73F81E4EF9EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_7589C66D58148012D66B73F81E4EF9EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_9FDD5626637361500BC073F81E4F7794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_9FDD5626637361500BC073F81E4F7794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_D43C5EE136DB1B783B7E73F81E4F14F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_951D8607C47263628B3673F81E4E378A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_D43C5EE136DB1B783B7E73F81E4F14F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8B5F6933D5CE2E077EEF73F81E4E431E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties_90050D15C62C49E6BBDE73F81E4FE306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties_90050D15C62C49E6BBDE73F81E4FE306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation_0FFACEFE5A965BE90EB073F81E4F9EF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation_0FFACEFE5A965BE90EB073F81E4F9EF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A7F1101AE0EADD2758D573F81E4FAE45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A7F1101AE0EADD2758D573F81E4FAE45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_30C69C6D5168751AC55073F81E4FF03B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_30C69C6D5168751AC55073F81E4FF03B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_323392A3E5396A67CAB8742B3D06D48C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_3B64EDB79977D4495D8073F81E4F0F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_323392A3E5396A67CAB8742B3D06D48C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsProFormaResultsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_7EC1C8698C0695D99F55A1AA8D171C54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_777C95BBD08D9CC4EDE3A1AA8D16766B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_7EC1C8698C0695D99F55A1AA8D171C54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_777C95BBD08D9CC4EDE3A1AA8D16766B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1EFFA31F005B59E19B9BA1AA8D173BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_777C95BBD08D9CC4EDE3A1AA8D16766B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1EFFA31F005B59E19B9BA1AA8D173BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_863F0917139171800276A1AA8D1756E1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1EFFA31F005B59E19B9BA1AA8D173BA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_863F0917139171800276A1AA8D1756E1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_863F0917139171800276A1AA8D1756E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1EFFA31F005B59E19B9BA1AA8D173BA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_863F0917139171800276A1AA8D1756E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProFormaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProFormaMember_2CF8919857E0EC242BA8A1AA8D17B334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_863F0917139171800276A1AA8D1756E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProFormaMember_2CF8919857E0EC242BA8A1AA8D17B334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_FC9FF6D06EB45E806A7AA1AA8D1792A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_7EC1C8698C0695D99F55A1AA8D171C54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_FC9FF6D06EB45E806A7AA1AA8D1792A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FCE898A9D44AF293BDA9A1AA8D17FD1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_7EC1C8698C0695D99F55A1AA8D171C54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_FCE898A9D44AF293BDA9A1AA8D17FD1E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsResoluteSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_57FF4C987FB75C8A8B4E2740333762C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_57FF4C987FB75C8A8B4E2740333762C1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A7A0F56ADF6807E9033127403337E454" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_57FF4C987FB75C8A8B4E2740333762C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A7A0F56ADF6807E9033127403337E454" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_28ACF1FFE0AC9793849227403337D0B2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A7A0F56ADF6807E9033127403337E454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_28ACF1FFE0AC9793849227403337D0B2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_28ACF1FFE0AC9793849227403337D0B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_A7A0F56ADF6807E9033127403337E454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_28ACF1FFE0AC9793849227403337D0B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SaleofOilandNaturalGasPropertiesMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SaleofOilandNaturalGasPropertiesMember_AED652EFE297C6E4E59527403337D77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_28ACF1FFE0AC9793849227403337D0B2" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SaleofOilandNaturalGasPropertiesMember_AED652EFE297C6E4E59527403337D77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6E0F2B52DD222CA95D8F274033376083" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_57FF4C987FB75C8A8B4E2740333762C1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6E0F2B52DD222CA95D8F274033376083" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1C153E0A832AF8C88E6427403337BF23_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6E0F2B52DD222CA95D8F274033376083" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1C153E0A832AF8C88E6427403337BF23_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2013/dei-2013-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1C153E0A832AF8C88E6427403337BF23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6E0F2B52DD222CA95D8F274033376083" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1C153E0A832AF8C88E6427403337BF23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_RSPLLCACTOILandOtherMinorityNonoperatingWorkingInterestOwnersMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_RSPLLCACTOILandOtherMinorityNonoperatingWorkingInterestOwnersMember_F62358B3EB2CBA782BA22740333897C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1C153E0A832AF8C88E6427403337BF23" xlink:to="loc_rspp_RSPLLCACTOILandOtherMinorityNonoperatingWorkingInterestOwnersMember_F62358B3EB2CBA782BA22740333897C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_37C22A8A05B7D473584A27403338B80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTable_57FF4C987FB75C8A8B4E2740333762C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_37C22A8A05B7D473584A27403338B80D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_37C22A8A05B7D473584A27403338B80D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingenciesByNatureAxis_37C22A8A05B7D473584A27403338B80D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_TitleandEnvironmentalEscrowMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_TitleandEnvironmentalEscrowMember_70D3C445105BA620EDAE27403338C5DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B" xlink:to="loc_rspp_TitleandEnvironmentalEscrowMember_70D3C445105BA620EDAE27403338C5DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IndemnityEscrowMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IndemnityEscrowMember_201C4DA2331D9F67B32327403338B070" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyNatureDomain_A6A0D39B4444520A6775274033389F0B" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IndemnityEscrowMember_201C4DA2331D9F67B32327403338B070" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterestsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterestsPercentage_F015E4ACC0D829A7E90F27403338276F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterestsPercentage_F015E4ACC0D829A7E90F27403338276F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds_F006A69B44800F2AA2CC274033381251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsAcquisitionCostsOrSaleProceeds_F006A69B44800F2AA2CC274033381251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterests" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterests_5071745058B81601FD1827403338581A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SignificantAcquisitionsandDisposalsOptiontoAcquireAdditionalInterests_5071745058B81601FD1827403338581A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax_FFC008FF8B3B4545220A274033389356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsGainLossOnSaleOrDisposalPretax_FFC008FF8B3B4545220A274033389356" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_BD26FE4FB145A24927E82740333876F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_BD26FE4FB145A24927E82740333876F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NumberofEscrowPayments" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NumberofEscrowPayments_4CA48083904B02F26FFA27403338AB8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NumberofEscrowPayments_4CA48083904B02F26FFA27403338AB8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ProceedsfromCollectionofEscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ProceedsfromCollectionofEscrowDeposit_275C560EFE2D31230E12274033384827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsLineItems_03D996E5BBEF8E6A1B4A27403338FE5C" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ProceedsfromCollectionofEscrowDeposit_275C560EFE2D31230E12274033384827" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsSpanishTrailDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4715F77BA1DDF3F923EA2740333DC17F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4715F77BA1DDF3F923EA2740333DC17F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_55EEB6667233848A2E142740333E705A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4715F77BA1DDF3F923EA2740333DC17F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_55EEB6667233848A2E142740333E705A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_55EEB6667233848A2E142740333E705A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_4715F77BA1DDF3F923EA2740333DC17F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_55EEB6667233848A2E142740333E705A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_DF9B534B81940F2438132740333E0CB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_55EEB6667233848A2E142740333E705A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_DF9B534B81940F2438132740333E0CB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A95A3DEDF6FC26F2F25B2740333EA50E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A95A3DEDF6FC26F2F25B2740333EA50E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_070FBEB31D8C9220FAFB2740333E194B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A95A3DEDF6FC26F2F25B2740333EA50E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_070FBEB31D8C9220FAFB2740333E194B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_070FBEB31D8C9220FAFB2740333E194B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_A95A3DEDF6FC26F2F25B2740333EA50E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_070FBEB31D8C9220FAFB2740333E194B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_32DBEBEDF2F3BD7728392740333E4EEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_070FBEB31D8C9220FAFB2740333E194B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_32DBEBEDF2F3BD7728392740333E4EEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_307959BD4EEE061544962740333EB4EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_307959BD4EEE061544962740333EB4EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_54AD2960DC4011F7E7932740333ED34C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_307959BD4EEE061544962740333EB4EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_54AD2960DC4011F7E7932740333ED34C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_54AD2960DC4011F7E7932740333ED34C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_307959BD4EEE061544962740333EB4EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_54AD2960DC4011F7E7932740333ED34C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ACTOILLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_DB83890338CCA94651172740333EAEA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_54AD2960DC4011F7E7932740333ED34C" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_DB83890338CCA94651172740333EAEA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B008EA12C0939EE824302740333EFBA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_58138AA9A14F770D8E612740333D47AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B008EA12C0939EE824302740333EFBA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_128D1A336CE9BB4346362740333E373B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B008EA12C0939EE824302740333EFBA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_128D1A336CE9BB4346362740333E373B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_128D1A336CE9BB4346362740333E373B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B008EA12C0939EE824302740333EFBA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_128D1A336CE9BB4346362740333E373B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_7CA6BFD859CCD0B169F62740333FE88A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_128D1A336CE9BB4346362740333E373B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_7CA6BFD859CCD0B169F62740333FE88A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_7496B4FB2E4C9DB507132740333F50DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_7496B4FB2E4C9DB507132740333F50DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage_5D518A704B9613E375722740333F84AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPercentage_5D518A704B9613E375722740333F84AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationfromSaleofInterestinNetProfits" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationfromSaleofInterestinNetProfits_73C1C3A5F949C10320FE2740333F9F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationConsiderationfromSaleofInterestinNetProfits_73C1C3A5F949C10320FE2740333F9F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties_EE3D1F2BB561E83EB8512740333F885A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOilandGasProperties_EE3D1F2BB561E83EB8512740333F885A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation_EA54C31B818CA647F2FC2740333F79D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_rspp_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedAssetRetirementObligation_EA54C31B818CA647F2FC2740333F79D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_8910054430FC617C8C5A2740333FC9C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_8910054430FC617C8C5A2740333FC9C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_A8374DA512BCD7D236E62740333FB9CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0F24BE9B6653DF5FAF552740333F2048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_A8374DA512BCD7D236E62740333FB9CD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/AcquisitionsAndSalesOfOilAndNaturalGasPropertyInterestsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_86F31E1300CEE6AD792E2740335803B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA6A45B7A8476EBE345E27403357264A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_86F31E1300CEE6AD792E2740335803B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA6A45B7A8476EBE345E27403357264A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_30FD9D03BDF80647048C27403357BE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA6A45B7A8476EBE345E27403357264A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_30FD9D03BDF80647048C27403357BE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_30FD9D03BDF80647048C27403357BE0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_30FD9D03BDF80647048C27403357BE0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember_FBB27813C3D7B923D88F27403357431F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollinsandWallaceContributionsMember_FBB27813C3D7B923D88F27403357431F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_6D533222F821531DE13127403358185D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E799215B761A2B4E393D27403357034A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_6D533222F821531DE13127403358185D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_C8EC222ACC1811685325274033584428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA6A45B7A8476EBE345E27403357264A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_C8EC222ACC1811685325274033584428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_F373084FCB17FF60122E274033588170_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_C8EC222ACC1811685325274033584428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_F373084FCB17FF60122E274033588170_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_F373084FCB17FF60122E274033588170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis_C8EC222ACC1811685325274033584428" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_F373084FCB17FF60122E274033588170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember_29CD8A03C778F8DCB3D927403358A08B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTransactionDomain_F373084FCB17FF60122E274033588170" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ACTOILNPIRepurchaseMember_29CD8A03C778F8DCB3D927403358A08B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_4485A3E5C9D8E12EB2EA27403358751C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_86F31E1300CEE6AD792E2740335803B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_4485A3E5C9D8E12EB2EA27403358751C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_7DD746573B18610C1832274033582BB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_86F31E1300CEE6AD792E2740335803B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock_7DD746573B18610C1832274033582BB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTextBlock_321F00B33E11AD7ACF8327403358F582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_86F31E1300CEE6AD792E2740335803B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfSignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsTextBlock_321F00B33E11AD7ACF8327403358F582" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB3120B31F20190C0392A1AA8DA8457E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1BFDE032F0A5A02EFD9FA1AA8DA757FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB3120B31F20190C0392A1AA8DA8457E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1BFDE032F0A5A02EFD9FA1AA8DA757FF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8F11BFB77DCEBDF4BD8AA1AA8DA792F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_1BFDE032F0A5A02EFD9FA1AA8DA757FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8F11BFB77DCEBDF4BD8AA1AA8DA792F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F2EA9D8956852CAC7D2A1AA8DA87F5E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8F11BFB77DCEBDF4BD8AA1AA8DA792F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F2EA9D8956852CAC7D2A1AA8DA87F5E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F2EA9D8956852CAC7D2A1AA8DA87F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8F11BFB77DCEBDF4BD8AA1AA8DA792F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6F2EA9D8956852CAC7D2A1AA8DA87F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB3120B31F20190C0392A1AA8DA8457E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1216C10A834132B3BF9FA1AA8DA8C213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_1216C10A834132B3BF9FA1AA8DA8C213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6C3FBF09E96D5127EC5BA1AA8DA886DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6C3FBF09E96D5127EC5BA1AA8DA886DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_68484A9EDF3CDC46032DA1AA8DA87815" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_68484A9EDF3CDC46032DA1AA8DA87815" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivablesGrossCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherReceivablesGrossCurrent_FC7B8F97582EB8252A2EA1AA8DA8696B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherReceivablesGrossCurrent_FC7B8F97582EB8252A2EA1AA8DA8696B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EscrowDeposit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_B6B345B324A7BD4A9278A1AA8DA8DBE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EscrowDeposit_B6B345B324A7BD4A9278A1AA8DA8DBE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_22CC8E4EA18F3C6109B1A1AA8DA879B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_22CC8E4EA18F3C6109B1A1AA8DA879B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_BC879F67AA60BE6EAE66A1AA8DA87C8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_E8E159AD85339009AFD0A1AA8DA882FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_BC879F67AA60BE6EAE66A1AA8DA87C8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodGross_5A82E5A7BF698A99B255A1AA8DA8EA71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodGross_5A82E5A7BF698A99B255A1AA8DA8EA71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_9C3E2B635D03B243447CA1AA8DA931ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodAccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_9C3E2B635D03B243447CA1AA8DA931ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNet_901B9273574E6289EB05A1AA8DA9D3A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndGasPropertySuccessfulEffortMethodNet_901B9273574E6289EB05A1AA8DA9D3A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet_22F3635818EB1A1DC7DEA1AA8DA929E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet_22F3635818EB1A1DC7DEA1AA8DA929E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_59826FB7539050458226A1AA8DA90AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_290227FFBF7EA06507A4A1AA8DA8CB12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_59826FB7539050458226A1AA8DA90AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_00A8DFD434D843C0B5A1A1AA8DA9BDBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_00A8DFD434D843C0B5A1A1AA8DA9BDBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_E1CFB18E635B6A346EA8A1AA8DA9AA72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_E1CFB18E635B6A346EA8A1AA8DA9AA72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_733CAB37919DD86C8DAAA1AA8DA92133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_733CAB37919DD86C8DAAA1AA8DA92133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_2A54F8131B4FE102F436A1AA8DA90016" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_31DF717F230084C26746A1AA8DA93B88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_2A54F8131B4FE102F436A1AA8DA90016" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FBD8A79528C87B716086A1AA8DA9F357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_83C278F99273788FBFD3A1AA8DA83956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_FBD8A79528C87B716086A1AA8DA9F357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB3120B31F20190C0392A1AA8DA8457E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_CF37EBA23B0EDBDBA66CA1AA8DA90B64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_CF37EBA23B0EDBDBA66CA1AA8DA90B64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_403D68569CCE7F368506A1AA8DA95E31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_403D68569CCE7F368506A1AA8DA95E31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_4FDF9FF3BCB3D220FB1BA1AA8DAA3B15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_4FDF9FF3BCB3D220FB1BA1AA8DAA3B15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_2CF62D4FB438B6AF30BAA1AA8DAA4E5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_2CF62D4FB438B6AF30BAA1AA8DAA4E5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_5D210B23AC0D17AF9B29A1AA8DAA46EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_D2625DA20AE10CBAC20EA1AA8DA9895F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_5D210B23AC0D17AF9B29A1AA8DAA46EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_F5CBB588F9D5AD0944A2A1AA8DAA407F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent_F5CBB588F9D5AD0944A2A1AA8DAA407F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4CEFD6A3F27DD87F19D8A1AA8DAAB5A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4CEFD6A3F27DD87F19D8A1AA8DAAB5A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_802D5816B676758D234CA1AA8DAA3630" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable_802D5816B676758D234CA1AA8DAA3630" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_FF515061C534FF4581C5A1AA8DAABD93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_FF515061C534FF4581C5A1AA8DAABD93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_747B11791AD872FFDA97A1AA8DAA4004" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_747B11791AD872FFDA97A1AA8DAA4004" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E07AFB2FEF817886B3B4A1AA8DAF6A2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E07AFB2FEF817886B3B4A1AA8DAF6A2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_8BD70F76C867D5486A83A1AA8DAFFF19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_B655CE7803FBC426B29EA1AA8DAAF2FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent_8BD70F76C867D5486A83A1AA8DAFFF19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8328196A6BAF8E736AF2A1AA8DB0F28E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8328196A6BAF8E736AF2A1AA8DB0F28E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MembersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_B35E2095FF91585ABFCAA1AA8DB0CBDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MembersEquity_B35E2095FF91585ABFCAA1AA8DB0CBDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_D5A5A30CC433BE816716A1AA8DB02B9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_D5A5A30CC433BE816716A1AA8DB02B9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_1FB1EE4B9C7163006D7DA1AA8DB07335" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_1FB1EE4B9C7163006D7DA1AA8DB07335" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1397F9DC460014B26C66A1AA8DB0DEA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_1397F9DC460014B26C66A1AA8DB0DEA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0C1A5044364F84C29CFFA1AA8DB0B8FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_F4CEBD075DC7B40A2F1BA1AA8DB08C05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0C1A5044364F84C29CFFA1AA8DB0B8FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_D7A986329DC6C0C480BAA1AA8DB0BAD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_C5286FCB4F204D4D46C4A1AA8DA9187C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_D7A986329DC6C0C480BAA1AA8DB0BAD8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_47656F7E2AC715F791AA96368A3A021F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_47656F7E2AC715F791AA96368A3A021F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E456D2B7CC75A40CD2AB96368A3AAAC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_47656F7E2AC715F791AA96368A3A021F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E456D2B7CC75A40CD2AB96368A3AAAC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7CA52561C86D85B26E8D96368A3A8FE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E456D2B7CC75A40CD2AB96368A3AAAC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7CA52561C86D85B26E8D96368A3A8FE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7CA52561C86D85B26E8D96368A3A8FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_E456D2B7CC75A40CD2AB96368A3AAAC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7CA52561C86D85B26E8D96368A3A8FE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BAD032D76B0AD303E2F396368A3AA028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_BAD032D76B0AD303E2F396368A3AA028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_BFE471DD9B4C9B33ED2596368A3A87D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_BFE471DD9B4C9B33ED2596368A3A87D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_AB27C8E761BF4306C92396368A3BE67C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_AB27C8E761BF4306C92396368A3BE67C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_56EECBC5AB591A3A4FDA96368A3B7EC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_865C6B4CD2F5F6AE892796368A3A4A2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_56EECBC5AB591A3A4FDA96368A3B7EC0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5AB98053F2C6EE8197EED09C88DF7B70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5AB98053F2C6EE8197EED09C88DF7B70" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F53C4298116C6E24DF25D09C88DFC14F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5AB98053F2C6EE8197EED09C88DF7B70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F53C4298116C6E24DF25D09C88DFC14F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D0D887A51CD1E22F9A12D09C88E07478_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F53C4298116C6E24DF25D09C88DFC14F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D0D887A51CD1E22F9A12D09C88E07478_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D0D887A51CD1E22F9A12D09C88E07478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F53C4298116C6E24DF25D09C88DFC14F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D0D887A51CD1E22F9A12D09C88E07478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_560E4F826618FA283629D09C88E1A758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_560E4F826618FA283629D09C88E1A758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_2AC33351535C0187CE71D09C8CBDFF7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_2AC33351535C0187CE71D09C8CBDFF7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_99C6C5DD25DD25AFFB48D09C88E1E330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_99C6C5DD25DD25AFFB48D09C88E1E330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_06AF234DC9CBB3393783D09C88E1613C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_06AF234DC9CBB3393783D09C88E1613C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_7539CA537948566D9C45D09C88E197DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_7539CA537948566D9C45D09C88E197DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4D57E6A4ECFDB02406A3D09C88E1D05C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_4D57E6A4ECFDB02406A3D09C88E1D05C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3E2AD486DEBDE9E73152D09C88E12328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3E2AD486DEBDE9E73152D09C88E12328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FF3921ACDEBF9C68FC8DD09C88E1D051" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FF3921ACDEBF9C68FC8DD09C88E1D051" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_B767FC4F60C0CE3101DDD09C88E1EB90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_B767FC4F60C0CE3101DDD09C88E1EB90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_04051FC2C946CF0FC0E0D09C88E1B720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_04051FC2C946CF0FC0E0D09C88E1B720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_PaymentsforProceedsfromDerivativeInstrumentOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_rspp_PaymentsforProceedsfromDerivativeInstrumentOperatingActivities_61C90D2409982E6846E6D09C88E2CA7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_BA256EFF423C86AC3F84D09C88E1928A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_PaymentsforProceedsfromDerivativeInstrumentOperatingActivities_61C90D2409982E6846E6D09C88E2CA7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsReceivableandAccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsReceivableandAccountsReceivableRelatedParties_AF2B2E662BFD8B40D647D09C88E2B994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsReceivableandAccountsReceivableRelatedParties_AF2B2E662BFD8B40D647D09C88E2B994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_ED96BD476F1F9A717FD2D09C88E2E75E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_ED96BD476F1F9A717FD2D09C88E2E75E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_E98E54029F3D8C1D5024D09C88E25079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_E98E54029F3D8C1D5024D09C88E25079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_915EB35A6CB4E0C612F4D09C88E2BB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_915EB35A6CB4E0C612F4D09C88E2BB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_E380ED7B1B791EF6838BD09C88E20C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssetsAndLiabilitiesNetAbstract_673C9DA15BF1CEC743DCD09C88E2533A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities_E380ED7B1B791EF6838BD09C88E20C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E7ECDDB422A6DFA9015CD09C88E21731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_90AF396948E8DB9202A3D09C88E0CF35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E7ECDDB422A6DFA9015CD09C88E21731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_834B51D84EC9E97DE0B5D09C88E21A04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets_834B51D84EC9E97DE0B5D09C88E21A04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_C4AA65C6836CF7E08858D09C88E208BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipment_C4AA65C6836CF7E08858D09C88E208BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_397B0EBBE115AD6A6B14D09C88E2ADB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_397B0EBBE115AD6A6B14D09C88E2ADB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E39DCBD915E9F00F1AC5D09C88E26E1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_335582ADDE4FE6EC38A7D09C88E286B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_E39DCBD915E9F00F1AC5D09C88E26E1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_B109895554CD7C47C0DBD09C88E20BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_B109895554CD7C47C0DBD09C88E20BBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_DECA7AA82B50D966FAA8D09C88E33326" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution_DECA7AA82B50D966FAA8D09C88E33326" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_463C5AE3BE6FA29ED62AD09C88E3C7AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_463C5AE3BE6FA29ED62AD09C88E3C7AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_FA21E455609A525908A0D09C88E33015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_FA21E455609A525908A0D09C88E33015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_341E9AA4009A730722B4D09C88E3269B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_341E9AA4009A730722B4D09C88E3269B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NetProfitInterestPayableFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NetProfitInterestPayableFinancingActivities_4DB85D5A3B2D151C705ED09C88E378B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NetProfitInterestPayableFinancingActivities_4DB85D5A3B2D151C705ED09C88E378B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_1452C627646911D5C09DD09C88E3923D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_E1B5A74FB133D50953E4D09C88E2C9CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_1452C627646911D5C09DD09C88E3923D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_B8E23AF95DE64CDD28C9D09C88E34979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_B8E23AF95DE64CDD28C9D09C88E34979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_175746904DADD51182D4D09C88E35F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_175746904DADD51182D4D09C88E35F92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_0384908D6D75A6BC6E18D09C88E3B944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_0384908D6D75A6BC6E18D09C88E3B944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_29F66111527E0F3039F2D09C88E3D093" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_0384908D6D75A6BC6E18D09C88E3B944" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaid_29F66111527E0F3039F2D09C88E3D093" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_4FBB2F1755BF06967777D09C88E324FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_0384908D6D75A6BC6E18D09C88E3B944" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_4FBB2F1755BF06967777D09C88E324FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8AA201BCEC875AEA9B40D09C88E00609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionAssetRetirementObligationsAssumed" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionAssetRetirementObligationsAssumed_9115F0C228FC5294B35FD09C88E37AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionAssetRetirementObligationsAssumed_9115F0C228FC5294B35FD09C88E37AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_835BBF9B28E92A83A156D09C88E42CBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_835BBF9B28E92A83A156D09C88E42CBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredTaxLiabilities_F37E5694168BAE476358D09C88E487C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionDeferredTaxLiabilities_F37E5694168BAE476358D09C88E487C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionValueofLiabilitiesReleased" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionValueofLiabilitiesReleased_5A44E26A7E482A029863D09C88E4C09C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_319F4CC3F6D48FF3E7D2D09C88E32AB0" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionValueofLiabilitiesReleased_5A44E26A7E482A029863D09C88E4C09C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B68BE67ECC6846EDA6FA96368BC78DD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EBB3F243BCBAC5FC41496368BC6B30E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B68BE67ECC6846EDA6FA96368BC78DD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EBB3F243BCBAC5FC41496368BC6B30E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0475656CA56CBEC8D54796368BC6969B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_4EBB3F243BCBAC5FC41496368BC6B30E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0475656CA56CBEC8D54796368BC6969B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0475656CA56CBEC8D54796368BC6969B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_0475656CA56CBEC8D54796368BC6969B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember_FAFF9C8CACC86A0CF42796368BC6CEED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember_FAFF9C8CACC86A0CF42796368BC6CEED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_FFCAE09BC1EEE0CAA28996368BC6E047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_FFCAE09BC1EEE0CAA28996368BC6E047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_F49BAA613048CF41B3E796368BC7FA40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_F49BAA613048CF41B3E796368BC7FA40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_44D4E624FD60C97F35E996368BC7CC07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_BBAC81F15F72BEF8D00F96368BC6BBCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_44D4E624FD60C97F35E996368BC7CC07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B68BE67ECC6846EDA6FA96368BC78DD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3C3DE6A963B6F49BFC0596368BC7B4A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_3C3DE6A963B6F49BFC0596368BC7B4A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_A17CAF977222C3472A4E96368BC7512E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_A17CAF977222C3472A4E96368BC7512E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalDistributionofNetAssetstoPredecessor" xlink:label="loc_rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalDistributionofNetAssetstoPredecessor_69C18C7EE632BE9D741596368BC72C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalDistributionofNetAssetstoPredecessor_69C18C7EE632BE9D741596368BC72C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCorporateReorganization" xlink:label="loc_rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCorporateReorganization_36992BACE9D5D9B0901196368BC793D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_rspp_AdjustmentstoAdditionalPaidinCapitalCorporateReorganization_36992BACE9D5D9B0901196368BC793D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure" xlink:label="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure_57920EEFBE9D6FA1280996368BC7DC36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure_57920EEFBE9D6FA1280996368BC7DC36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure" xlink:label="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure_6A4EF46AB20C5122348096368BC79433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueTransactionstoAffectChangeinCorporateStructure_6A4EF46AB20C5122348096368BC79433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsandPurchaseofAssets" xlink:label="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsandPurchaseofAssets_D8086C12FE7D2221706396368BC7C92F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_rspp_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitionsandPurchaseofAssets_D8086C12FE7D2221706396368BC7C92F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_823806396035844F15CB96368BC79C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_823806396035844F15CB96368BC79C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_E5D34DF3016CBEC4B23896368BC75A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_E5D34DF3016CBEC4B23896368BC75A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_174561C25997C418E6BA96368BC8907E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_174561C25997C418E6BA96368BC8907E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_74D50CC3F310E4062F9E96368BC868DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_8EAC074653CC20AAC25C96368BC7893F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_74D50CC3F310E4062F9E96368BC868DE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInShareholdersMembersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64B96AC70478B59FD2A396368A8C391A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29976B96E3381ECB81CC96368A8BAA79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64B96AC70478B59FD2A396368A8C391A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29976B96E3381ECB81CC96368A8BAA79" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BEB3B1C0F87D5BAEFDFC96368A8BC733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_29976B96E3381ECB81CC96368A8BAA79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BEB3B1C0F87D5BAEFDFC96368A8BC733" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_86B9AB7C0F20F680086496368A8BA5E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BEB3B1C0F87D5BAEFDFC96368A8BC733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_86B9AB7C0F20F680086496368A8BA5E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_86B9AB7C0F20F680086496368A8BA5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BEB3B1C0F87D5BAEFDFC96368A8BC733" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_86B9AB7C0F20F680086496368A8BA5E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember_1C6C6E6FBC8FC9CF631596368A8B7A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_86B9AB7C0F20F680086496368A8BA5E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MemberUnitsMember_1C6C6E6FBC8FC9CF631596368A8B7A11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_92C97E5DC727C8F2EA5196368A8CF2A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_64B96AC70478B59FD2A396368A8C391A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCMemberCashDistributionsPaid_92C97E5DC727C8F2EA5196368A8CF2A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AD5D763F2C0BB721A44CC1740B01A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AD5D763F2C0BB721A44CC1740B01A10" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E28354D83B547D758F8CC1740B0B3E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AD5D763F2C0BB721A44CC1740B01A10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E28354D83B547D758F8CC1740B0B3E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DC192EF73049E906FFBBCC1740B01C24_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E28354D83B547D758F8CC1740B0B3E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DC192EF73049E906FFBBCC1740B01C24_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DC192EF73049E906FFBBCC1740B01C24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E28354D83B547D758F8CC1740B0B3E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DC192EF73049E906FFBBCC1740B01C24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_408B2BA1748F41F3C0CBCC1740B062CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OilAndCondensateRevenue_408B2BA1748F41F3C0CBCC1740B062CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_F1284D9A1F98AD6DE3E9CC1740B07D6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasProductionRevenue_F1284D9A1F98AD6DE3E9CC1740B07D6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_A85268A7463F949C8790CC1740B047E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NaturalGasMidstreamRevenue_A85268A7463F949C8790CC1740B047E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1C617A709C1E312E357BCC1740B0AB86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_AA99446D440B41A573AACC1740B0AAB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1C617A709C1E312E357BCC1740B0AB86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_60FCA1B49F3C246EC1D5CC1740B0350C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseOperatingExpense_60FCA1B49F3C246EC1D5CC1740B0350C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_7424C05C6AC860ADBA96CC1740B00647" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_7424C05C6AC860ADBA96CC1740B00647" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_D7870CC40D4A30158971CC1740B080EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_D7870CC40D4A30158971CC1740B080EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_0B02ACA4413C0BB72B8DCC1740B00E20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_0B02ACA4413C0BB72B8DCC1740B00E20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExplorationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_FFDD00A3E2C778711AD3CC1740B06645" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExplorationExpense_FFDD00A3E2C778711AD3CC1740B06645" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_BA14914197EFB7E065A4CC1740B0285F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_BA14914197EFB7E065A4CC1740B0285F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_D47864E25C44BE1DA8DECC1740B0845A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_A58896BD80B09FCAD597CC1740B060D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_D47864E25C44BE1DA8DECC1740B0845A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_6EF6A88F9AA897CD3FE8CC1740B0868A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_6EF6A88F9AA897CD3FE8CC1740B0868A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_A9CB29DEC48E2577BBE6CC1740B00B59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_A9CB29DEC48E2577BBE6CC1740B00B59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_66D4846FF3110052C625CC1740B08D2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_66D4846FF3110052C625CC1740B08D2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_DBA0103D3D3F94ED670ECC1740B0A994" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_DBA0103D3D3F94ED670ECC1740B0A994" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_BAD3C054C03B81932143CC1740B07E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_BAD3C054C03B81932143CC1740B07E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_99523EA83E9E9921ADFDCC1740BFBF59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndExpensesAbstract_87D1A9C2B3A64CB33A15CC1740B0C5D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_99523EA83E9E9921ADFDCC1740BFBF59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5D8C913F06EE2C4DEAC9CC1740BF12C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5D8C913F06EE2C4DEAC9CC1740BF12C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6589CFDA09F51A27432DCC1740BFF2FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6589CFDA09F51A27432DCC1740BFF2FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_005FF74651E5F4B31C6CCC1740BFB0A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_005FF74651E5F4B31C6CCC1740BFB0A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_68AC22B80B18F65FBF25CC1740BF5DD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_68AC22B80B18F65FBF25CC1740BF5DD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_3F3E0BAB872ED7E9A1AACC1740BF2C3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_68AC22B80B18F65FBF25CC1740BF5DD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_3F3E0BAB872ED7E9A1AACC1740BF2C3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C5722E14CB363B0666B2CC1740BF70B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_68AC22B80B18F65FBF25CC1740BF5DD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_C5722E14CB363B0666B2CC1740BF70B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F763E6C6C5800B5B20A4CC1740BF76AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5B01A4D6ECDE2F91ECCCCC1740B05993" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F763E6C6C5800B5B20A4CC1740BF76AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_67EC3C656C87FA9F0080CC1740BF1F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F763E6C6C5800B5B20A4CC1740BF76AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_67EC3C656C87FA9F0080CC1740BF1F92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_3150E3D339FFE10FE068CC1740BF4EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_F763E6C6C5800B5B20A4CC1740BF76AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_3150E3D339FFE10FE068CC1740BF4EA3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CreditAgreement" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/CreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_57EA4C803BB941DB03CBC74979DE479B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_57EA4C803BB941DB03CBC74979DE479B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_EDE171AAD772ABD27644C74979DED900_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_57EA4C803BB941DB03CBC74979DE479B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_EDE171AAD772ABD27644C74979DED900_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_EDE171AAD772ABD27644C74979DED900" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_57EA4C803BB941DB03CBC74979DE479B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_EDE171AAD772ABD27644C74979DED900" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_EAD4D7481B2C0576F1B1C74979DE2DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_EDE171AAD772ABD27644C74979DED900" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_EAD4D7481B2C0576F1B1C74979DE2DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4CAF46EA7EE05FD1793CC74979DE9832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4CAF46EA7EE05FD1793CC74979DE9832" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1C61A75D38420152112AC74979DE4D6F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4CAF46EA7EE05FD1793CC74979DE9832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1C61A75D38420152112AC74979DE4D6F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1C61A75D38420152112AC74979DE4D6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4CAF46EA7EE05FD1793CC74979DE9832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1C61A75D38420152112AC74979DE4D6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_0D773F73EFB3E34DEC6BC74979DE8ADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1C61A75D38420152112AC74979DE4D6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_0D773F73EFB3E34DEC6BC74979DE8ADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CDEE0ADE94D6985FD469C74979DE8FDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CDEE0ADE94D6985FD469C74979DE8FDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_45298A8DBBBC16A11F20C74979DF1963_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CDEE0ADE94D6985FD469C74979DE8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_45298A8DBBBC16A11F20C74979DF1963_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_45298A8DBBBC16A11F20C74979DF1963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_CDEE0ADE94D6985FD469C74979DE8FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_45298A8DBBBC16A11F20C74979DF1963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_37998703E291C863F197C74979DF6151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_45298A8DBBBC16A11F20C74979DF1963" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SpanishTrailAcquisitionMember_37998703E291C863F197C74979DF6151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9A1C0B98BFB02F5F50F5C74979DFBF96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9A1C0B98BFB02F5F50F5C74979DFBF96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9A1C0B98BFB02F5F50F5C74979DFBF96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9A1C0B98BFB02F5F50F5C74979DFBF96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_4691A2900F8E698E52D3C74979DF963E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_4691A2900F8E698E52D3C74979DF963E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_FederalFundsRateMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_FederalFundsRateMember_26F61FAF376B6E659FF0C74979DFE775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E" xlink:to="loc_rspp_FederalFundsRateMember_26F61FAF376B6E659FF0C74979DFE775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_DE2C069DA9AC567558BFC74979DFBE80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_C934D4794C87D0EC92B6C74979DF427E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_DE2C069DA9AC567558BFC74979DFBE80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BEB95ADB9820894D9B9CC74979DFFC02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1C7D41B7049B9A3B6A97C74979DE1F6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BEB95ADB9820894D9B9CC74979DFFC02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BEB95ADB9820894D9B9CC74979DFFC02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BEB95ADB9820894D9B9CC74979DFFC02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F77E0F02F3425717AD90C74979DF8F0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_F77E0F02F3425717AD90C74979DF8F0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9E65735B155100D18B3FC74979DFE40D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_D1B48B5B1C6E2384E202C74979DF7A08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_9E65735B155100D18B3FC74979DFE40D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NumberofFinancialLenders" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NumberofFinancialLenders_B22197A86447AE8C17F2C74979DFA5A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NumberofFinancialLenders_B22197A86447AE8C17F2C74979DFA5A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_A6ED8D2F0AFCD9D5017FC74979DFA111" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_A6ED8D2F0AFCD9D5017FC74979DFA111" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_NumberofFinancialRatios" xlink:label="loc_rspp_NumberofFinancialRatios_A236B4FD4462106235D7C74979DF55A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_NumberofFinancialRatios_A236B4FD4462106235D7C74979DF55A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_WorkingCapitalRatio" xlink:label="loc_rspp_WorkingCapitalRatio_8D78626297A4F2DB69BAC74979E07E4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_WorkingCapitalRatio_8D78626297A4F2DB69BAC74979E07E4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_MinimumInterestCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_rspp_MinimumInterestCoverageRatio_8840E995EA3EA119494BC74979E05A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_MinimumInterestCoverageRatio_8840E995EA3EA119494BC74979E05A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_RatioofIndebtednesstoEBITDAX" xlink:label="loc_rspp_RatioofIndebtednesstoEBITDAX_19B1983F8C0D05802C32C74979E059D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_RatioofIndebtednesstoEBITDAX_19B1983F8C0D05802C32C74979E059D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasisBasePercentagePriortoAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_rspp_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasisBasePercentagePriortoAdjustments_172FEEF784B65941656DC74979E0C07B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBasisBasePercentagePriortoAdjustments_172FEEF784B65941656DC74979E0C07B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_BD293AAA47372C8BF85CC74979E09A66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_BD293AAA47372C8BF85CC74979E09A66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_16F2983029F87697570BC74979E00DDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_16F2983029F87697570BC74979E00DDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_63AAC6EAE78453C58DB2C74979E0C4F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_63AAC6EAE78453C58DB2C74979E0C4F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C3E5E4D81577D88EDFB6C74979E0A198" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_C3E5E4D81577D88EDFB6C74979E0A198" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAdditionalLenderCommitments" xlink:label="loc_rspp_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAdditionalLenderCommitments_1C5D7DC595D2735C7C10C74979E09F28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityAdditionalLenderCommitments_1C5D7DC595D2735C7C10C74979E09F28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTermsPercentageofBorrowingBaseUtilizedMargin" xlink:label="loc_rspp_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTermsPercentageofBorrowingBaseUtilizedMargin_8ECD7026CE0BDE10E7A4C74979E0BFAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_9568622B3CAA2DCF67FDC74979DFAA16" xlink:to="loc_rspp_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTermsPercentageofBorrowingBaseUtilizedMargin_8ECD7026CE0BDE10E7A4C74979E0BFAD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_A5F5D587FE4E157131CAA1AA8CEF24DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_68D869E9BA70F15C00F8A1AA8CEE0968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_A5F5D587FE4E157131CAA1AA8CEF24DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_68D869E9BA70F15C00F8A1AA8CEE0968" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2D158EFD5CA0BFE246D3A1AA8CEE7448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable_68D869E9BA70F15C00F8A1AA8CEE0968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2D158EFD5CA0BFE246D3A1AA8CEE7448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2D158EFD5CA0BFE246D3A1AA8CEE7448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2D158EFD5CA0BFE246D3A1AA8CEE7448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_74895E3AC3FF40C1BAA0A1AA8CEE8CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_74895E3AC3FF40C1BAA0A1AA8CEE8CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_1135960D6040D283E979A1AA8CEE9E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_A860A345A8F1FF6E88CBA1AA8CEE88F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_1135960D6040D283E979A1AA8CEE9E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_045A996735EAFCC524C4A1AA8CEF5252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems_A5F5D587FE4E157131CAA1AA8CEF24DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_045A996735EAFCC524C4A1AA8CEF5252" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsGrossAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_8F6B0423C4C51D16AC3796368C1CAB45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D224004B9180A3D271DD96368C1B13E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_8F6B0423C4C51D16AC3796368C1CAB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D224004B9180A3D271DD96368C1B13E5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE98E151008BCE1CB5FE96368C1B6328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D224004B9180A3D271DD96368C1B13E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE98E151008BCE1CB5FE96368C1B6328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FCE44A986DC1BC6D930A96368C1BA3BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE98E151008BCE1CB5FE96368C1B6328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FCE44A986DC1BC6D930A96368C1BA3BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FCE44A986DC1BC6D930A96368C1BA3BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_FE98E151008BCE1CB5FE96368C1B6328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FCE44A986DC1BC6D930A96368C1BA3BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_A300DFDE6AF463A37C6D96368C1BD0AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_FCE44A986DC1BC6D930A96368C1BA3BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_A300DFDE6AF463A37C6D96368C1BD0AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4296A5800AA9AA97606796368C1BC500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_D224004B9180A3D271DD96368C1B13E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4296A5800AA9AA97606796368C1BC500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4296A5800AA9AA97606796368C1BC500" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4296A5800AA9AA97606796368C1BC500" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_2F55ED6C031D543ACD9996368C1CCA6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember_2F55ED6C031D543ACD9996368C1CCA6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_D04D57BC782EC7E5697E96368C1C9E9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_D04D57BC782EC7E5697E96368C1C9E9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_EB86C77408C47DB6F88296368C1C5881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_EB86C77408C47DB6F88296368C1C5881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_5FF8789F25E9CBE5F87796368C1C4E97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_F0E4E4FCC23003084BCE96368C1C81DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_5FF8789F25E9CBE5F87796368C1C4E97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_C6142F349A9F9DFB9D2F96368C1CD860" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_8F6B0423C4C51D16AC3796368C1CAB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_C6142F349A9F9DFB9D2F96368C1CD860" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_9A7BA1068B51F2B8768F96368C1C6695" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_8F6B0423C4C51D16AC3796368C1CAB45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_9A7BA1068B51F2B8768F96368C1C6695" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsOffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsOutstandingPositionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_648CA6F5B04D36AF6F3B96368A59484F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_648CA6F5B04D36AF6F3B96368A59484F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_52C3D482216859CF663D96368A59B2E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_648CA6F5B04D36AF6F3B96368A59484F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_52C3D482216859CF663D96368A59B2E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_52C3D482216859CF663D96368A59B2E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyAxis_52C3D482216859CF663D96368A59B2E0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CrudeOilMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CrudeOilMember_80F716AD4D233804CBAF96368A59D233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CrudeOilMember_80F716AD4D233804CBAF96368A59D233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FuelMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FuelMember_452DCC6FCB29E436C05E96368A5A49B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnergyDomain_641DFD3D97CC16DE7AD296368A59E805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FuelMember_452DCC6FCB29E436C05E96368A5A49B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_07DBA867E591E035B5FD96368A5A33F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_648CA6F5B04D36AF6F3B96368A59484F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_07DBA867E591E035B5FD96368A5A33F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_07DBA867E591E035B5FD96368A5A33F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_07DBA867E591E035B5FD96368A5A33F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SwapsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SwapsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember_99B46135F7E067B5F27E96368A5AB0BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SwapsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember_99B46135F7E067B5F27E96368A5AB0BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SwapsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SwapsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember_CE8FFC36A2F56CF515D096368A5A5BAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SwapsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember_CE8FFC36A2F56CF515D096368A5A5BAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollarsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollarsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember_B4C43BD5C731DD0B379396368A5AF702" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollarsMaturinginCurrentFiscalYearMember_B4C43BD5C731DD0B379396368A5AF702" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollarsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollarsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember_60871151EF9E39D394D296368A5B3D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_71B4F1FC90C216BA06EE96368A5A78DB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollarsMaturinginNextFiscalYearMember_60871151EF9E39D394D296368A5B3D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_54A94709B18174BA5DB696368A5B5968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_54A94709B18174BA5DB696368A5B5968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_429F51BFC9DADE0AAA5E96368A5B1DC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountEnergyMeasure_429F51BFC9DADE0AAA5E96368A5B1DC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_A56D7F7E33085BDDBC9F96368A5B3EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeSwapTypeAverageFixedPrice_A56D7F7E33085BDDBC9F96368A5B3EC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFloorPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFloorPrice_5E52F8BF0946F8970AE396368A5B87BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageFloorPrice_5E52F8BF0946F8970AE396368A5B87BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapPrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapPrice_5381B5F188975901F8E496368A5BAF70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_CC8FBF6C20C7D9A6055A96368A5BBD30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapPrice_5381B5F188975901F8E496368A5BAF70" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformationDocument" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareProFormaDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EarningsPerShareProFormaEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D991CA58E39CECDFD3A6B6542A827B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D991CA58E39CECDFD3A6B6542A827B5F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D472CB9C69F54E8009F5B6542A8231DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D991CA58E39CECDFD3A6B6542A827B5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D472CB9C69F54E8009F5B6542A8231DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538C10DC30ABECC06D42B6542A8215C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D472CB9C69F54E8009F5B6542A8231DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538C10DC30ABECC06D42B6542A8215C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538C10DC30ABECC06D42B6542A8215C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_D472CB9C69F54E8009F5B6542A8231DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538C10DC30ABECC06D42B6542A8215C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_11D22535AB13474AE2E0B6542A822330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538C10DC30ABECC06D42B6542A8215C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_11D22535AB13474AE2E0B6542A822330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2A823EDE83BC37274E4FB6542A823992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D991CA58E39CECDFD3A6B6542A827B5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2A823EDE83BC37274E4FB6542A823992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2A823EDE83BC37274E4FB6542A823992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_2A823EDE83BC37274E4FB6542A823992" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E2FFA850D845B91E4C5AB6542A821FD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E2FFA850D845B91E4C5AB6542A821FD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockAwardsMember_F8F3B76FB2A21060B6EEB6542A837480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4" xlink:to="loc_rspp_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockAwardsMember_F8F3B76FB2A21060B6EEB6542A837480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6A90722DF9084EBA59ADB6542A8200E4" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIandTierIAMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIandTierIAMember_A3D827FD5A39C08AEB17B6542A835F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIandTierIAMember_A3D827FD5A39C08AEB17B6542A835F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierITierIAandTierIIMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierITierIAandTierIIMember_62FBEF4D110590DB8E0AB6542A83487B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierITierIAandTierIIMember_62FBEF4D110590DB8E0AB6542A83487B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIAandTierIIMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIAandTierIIMember_1180CF6DE59D26299E06B6542A835405" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIAandTierIIMember_1180CF6DE59D26299E06B6542A835405" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIIIandTierIVMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIIIandTierIVMember_AFB048FF576F067DEB63B6542A83995D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsMember_EFD9F6C80EC246089AFCB6542A83B612" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IncentiveUnitsTierIIIandTierIVMember_AFB048FF576F067DEB63B6542A83995D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BFF5CF72AEB09D6B7A2AB6542A8343D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D991CA58E39CECDFD3A6B6542A827B5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BFF5CF72AEB09D6B7A2AB6542A8343D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BFF5CF72AEB09D6B7A2AB6542A8343D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_BFF5CF72AEB09D6B7A2AB6542A8343D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C1D34722D89D16D04E6FB6542A88A90B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_C1D34722D89D16D04E6FB6542A88A90B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A4C35F2C93DD9B21E835B6542A8892AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5176F9B6562CBF0FCE9EB6542A88E968" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A4C35F2C93DD9B21E835B6542A8892AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_44B8E8B2B410EE1249CEB6542A88B6BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_44B8E8B2B410EE1249CEB6542A88B6BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_7681CE2B97B1A75CCEA2B6542A887A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_7681CE2B97B1A75CCEA2B6542A887A44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinRemainderofFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinRemainderofFiscalYear_B039C102CD4FD261FBB3B6542A88BA13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinRemainderofFiscalYear_B039C102CD4FD261FBB3B6542A88BA13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinNextFiscalYear_754CA99854B6FB0CE9D6B6542A88D76B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_EmployeeServiceSharebasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsCompensationNotyetRecognizedSharebasedAwardsOtherthanOptionsCostToBeRecognizedinNextFiscalYear_754CA99854B6FB0CE9D6B6542A88D76B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_610E80E4F3CA8152E88FB6542A892A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_610E80E4F3CA8152E88FB6542A892A37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8509214567CD4FFE8F56B6542A891AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_8509214567CD4FFE8F56B6542A891AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_7F7EAE9B78EB6FD18AD6B6542A89E314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_7F7EAE9B78EB6FD18AD6B6542A89E314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetPayoutPercentage" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetPayoutPercentage_EFCFBD82738A13F51408B6542A89E3B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsTargetPayoutPercentage_EFCFBD82738A13F51408B6542A89E3B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_FAD82A2BACAF6048583EB6542A898DFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_FAD82A2BACAF6048583EB6542A898DFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_8596CC1187D115EEEA5EB6542A890424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_FAD82A2BACAF6048583EB6542A898DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber_8596CC1187D115EEEA5EB6542A890424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_F6350D640384B5FFBEE2B6542A894456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward_FAD82A2BACAF6048583EB6542A898DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted_F6350D640384B5FFBEE2B6542A894456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_07F973D21A3F5646A44EB6542A8965AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C4FBADD5EF3FB13D1B84B6542A8840EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_07F973D21A3F5646A44EB6542A8965AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_84F8B378555F85050F39B6542A89389B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_07F973D21A3F5646A44EB6542A8965AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_84F8B378555F85050F39B6542A89389B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BABE9ACDB8DEDB1BDE30B6542A89B865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_07F973D21A3F5646A44EB6542A8965AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BABE9ACDB8DEDB1BDE30B6542A89B865" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_558BD905FADE816AB93E96368BE30244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_470F959859638427A02396368BE2958F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_558BD905FADE816AB93E96368BE30244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_470F959859638427A02396368BE2958F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_23DD04F041FD35261CBE96368BE2911F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_470F959859638427A02396368BE2958F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_23DD04F041FD35261CBE96368BE2911F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_48FE65C3F40C4141D48496368BE20F25_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_23DD04F041FD35261CBE96368BE2911F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_48FE65C3F40C4141D48496368BE20F25_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_48FE65C3F40C4141D48496368BE20F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_23DD04F041FD35261CBE96368BE2911F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_48FE65C3F40C4141D48496368BE20F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_996CE483AA9A469E0EDE96368BE272B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_48FE65C3F40C4141D48496368BE20F25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_996CE483AA9A469E0EDE96368BE272B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_42DCF360057305711E7696368BE2DA0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_470F959859638427A02396368BE2958F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_42DCF360057305711E7696368BE2DA0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_42DCF360057305711E7696368BE2DA0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_42DCF360057305711E7696368BE2DA0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_8AA001DC90A1E589FC1696368BE35683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_8AA001DC90A1E589FC1696368BE35683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_39F3DAADC2A52F3F33E896368BE37BA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_39F3DAADC2A52F3F33E896368BE37BA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B2D3B0D635E18CCACA7996368BE39E78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_3B44DB8FE62BE871762696368BE2773F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B2D3B0D635E18CCACA7996368BE39E78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_A188A4249DF91019168396368BE3A789" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_470F959859638427A02396368BE2958F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_A188A4249DF91019168396368BE3A789" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4F0185ED2FD6F44DAA0596368BE3A6D3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_A188A4249DF91019168396368BE3A789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4F0185ED2FD6F44DAA0596368BE3A6D3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4F0185ED2FD6F44DAA0596368BE3A6D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_A188A4249DF91019168396368BE3A789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4F0185ED2FD6F44DAA0596368BE3A6D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommodityContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_3A5E7E2715C5CF103EA296368BE3BC70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4F0185ED2FD6F44DAA0596368BE3A6D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommodityContractMember_3A5E7E2715C5CF103EA296368BE3BC70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_12BEA2B2668E8E65CF5B96368BE3C019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_558BD905FADE816AB93E96368BE30244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_12BEA2B2668E8E65CF5B96368BE3C019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_D232303E8BDDA5BCEE1896368BE34E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_558BD905FADE816AB93E96368BE30244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_D232303E8BDDA5BCEE1896368BE34E65" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ED39CE1FF7B02FA61DBED096DBEBF7B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ED39CE1FF7B02FA61DBED096DBEBF7B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ED39CE1FF7B02FA61DBED096DBEBF7B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_ED39CE1FF7B02FA61DBED096DBEBF7B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_IPOandSecondaryOfferingMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_IPOandSecondaryOfferingMember_147F7623A6D654362525D096DBEBB4EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76" xlink:to="loc_rspp_IPOandSecondaryOfferingMember_147F7623A6D654362525D096DBEBB4EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_26EF3E7C9F48A68E848DD096DBEBFED5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_26EF3E7C9F48A68E848DD096DBEBFED5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SecondaryOfferingMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SecondaryOfferingMember_50F7783395D38AF17EA8D096DBEB05AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_DF351730BCED5150C1C2D096DBEBAB76" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SecondaryOfferingMember_50F7783395D38AF17EA8D096DBEB05AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3E4F9C77770FAE6971E9D096DBEB2B22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3E4F9C77770FAE6971E9D096DBEB2B22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C068069E32855E9FEDAFD096DBEBBC53_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3E4F9C77770FAE6971E9D096DBEB2B22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C068069E32855E9FEDAFD096DBEBBC53_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C068069E32855E9FEDAFD096DBEBBC53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3E4F9C77770FAE6971E9D096DBEB2B22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C068069E32855E9FEDAFD096DBEBBC53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_760F792A214A3DB2236AD096DBEB84A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C068069E32855E9FEDAFD096DBEBBC53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableMember_760F792A214A3DB2236AD096DBEB84A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6CDC5B3BDEED74A326BDD096DBEB62C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6CDC5B3BDEED74A326BDD096DBEB62C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_71C6AC71E86A86559C1DD096DBEBD257_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6CDC5B3BDEED74A326BDD096DBEB62C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_71C6AC71E86A86559C1DD096DBEBD257_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_71C6AC71E86A86559C1DD096DBEBD257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6CDC5B3BDEED74A326BDD096DBEB62C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_71C6AC71E86A86559C1DD096DBEBD257" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_13D4A7030B162A319008D096DBECE84D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_71C6AC71E86A86559C1DD096DBEBD257" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_13D4A7030B162A319008D096DBECE84D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_962DA9D1837695839F9DD096DBEC00B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_962DA9D1837695839F9DD096DBEC00B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_44BBB7A3D09CA6FB1C85D096DBEC545D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_962DA9D1837695839F9DD096DBEC00B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_44BBB7A3D09CA6FB1C85D096DBEC545D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_44BBB7A3D09CA6FB1C85D096DBEC545D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_962DA9D1837695839F9DD096DBEC00B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_44BBB7A3D09CA6FB1C85D096DBEC545D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ACTOILLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_3455DE255B534B927D37D096DBEC7B34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_44BBB7A3D09CA6FB1C85D096DBEC545D" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ACTOILLLCMember_3455DE255B534B927D37D096DBEC7B34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_BB2A50C43538C105A1E5D096DBECEAA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_BB2A50C43538C105A1E5D096DBECEAA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_7EB0E5DFA0C61D259402D096DBEC54BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_BB2A50C43538C105A1E5D096DBECEAA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_7EB0E5DFA0C61D259402D096DBEC54BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_7EB0E5DFA0C61D259402D096DBEC54BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_BB2A50C43538C105A1E5D096DBECEAA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_7EB0E5DFA0C61D259402D096DBEC54BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_GlasscockCountyMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_GlasscockCountyMember_9155819ECC6E8050D299D096DBEC5043" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_7EB0E5DFA0C61D259402D096DBEC54BB" xlink:to="loc_rspp_GlasscockCountyMember_9155819ECC6E8050D299D096DBEC5043" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C33B072D4161F7C674B5D096DBEC4A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_3185453C7C1EBC286ABDD096DBEAF460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C33B072D4161F7C674B5D096DBEC4A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8BCAD1C81A1A77697A17D096DBEC0D21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C33B072D4161F7C674B5D096DBEC4A36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8BCAD1C81A1A77697A17D096DBEC0D21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8BCAD1C81A1A77697A17D096DBEC0D21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_C33B072D4161F7C674B5D096DBEC4A36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8BCAD1C81A1A77697A17D096DBEC0D21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1B4AB8CE85D9E4ADB014D096DBEC40E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8BCAD1C81A1A77697A17D096DBEC0D21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1B4AB8CE85D9E4ADB014D096DBEC40E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SaleOfStockToPublicNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SaleOfStockToPublicNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_F06EDC59E56F1EEA2948D096DBED65F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SaleOfStockToPublicNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_F06EDC59E56F1EEA2948D096DBED65F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_6ED026FABBF48F139AEFD096DBED3E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_6ED026FABBF48F139AEFD096DBED3E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_ProceedsFromSaleOfStockToPublicGross" xlink:label="loc_rspp_ProceedsFromSaleOfStockToPublicGross_80E8EFD94CAF13CD1D4DD096DBED0CD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_rspp_ProceedsFromSaleOfStockToPublicGross_80E8EFD94CAF13CD1D4DD096DBED0CD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_3A15ECCC465104F62AD5D096DBEDFEBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_3A15ECCC465104F62AD5D096DBEDFEBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_BB09915939F80DA19336D096DBED5763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_BB09915939F80DA19336D096DBED5763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt_DAD80E42827FBFB076B1D096DBED74D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt_DAD80E42827FBFB076B1D096DBED74D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_210C52B07D7E02190166D096DBED4B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_210C52B07D7E02190166D096DBED4B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_SaleofStockToPublicNumberOfSharesSoldByExistingStockholders" xlink:label="loc_rspp_SaleofStockToPublicNumberOfSharesSoldByExistingStockholders_7432A76F40BD3B4F2CD6D096DBED13C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_rspp_SaleofStockToPublicNumberOfSharesSoldByExistingStockholders_7432A76F40BD3B4F2CD6D096DBED13C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_OilandGasNetProfitsInterestPercentage" xlink:label="loc_rspp_OilandGasNetProfitsInterestPercentage_785313FDCADB4163E662D096DBED7019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_rspp_OilandGasNetProfitsInterestPercentage_785313FDCADB4163E662D096DBED7019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_857895721EE52ABCEE8BD096DBEDEE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOilAndGasProperty_857895721EE52ABCEE8BD096DBEDEE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_DDA0C0D638D19E561FE9D096DBED19B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_18BEFC785454CD23E899D096DBEC6578" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_DDA0C0D638D19E561FE9D096DBED19B3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FF48EEADC42910117EBDCAC8BEB85AC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_E56962CD2CE238AD614DCAC8BEB86E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FF48EEADC42910117EBDCAC8BEB85AC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_E56962CD2CE238AD614DCAC8BEB86E80" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_39EFF1FFB082AB8887CCCAC8BEB8F23C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_E56962CD2CE238AD614DCAC8BEB86E80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_39EFF1FFB082AB8887CCCAC8BEB8F23C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_39EFF1FFB082AB8887CCCAC8BEB8F23C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_39EFF1FFB082AB8887CCCAC8BEB8F23C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_CollinsMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_CollinsMember_4BDA24277F7E8F92435DCAC8BEB8E5F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_CollinsMember_4BDA24277F7E8F92435DCAC8BEB8E5F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="rspp-20140630.xsd#rspp_WallaceLPMember" xlink:label="loc_rspp_WallaceLPMember_DCBC3489D26122C75296CAC8BEB8A79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_DF44E1E012832899BA35CAC8BEB8B77A" xlink:to="loc_rspp_WallaceLPMember_DCBC3489D26122C75296CAC8BEB8A79B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2013/elts/us-gaap-2013-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_DBB0EA4EC015F6D9B4F9CAC8BEB87924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FF48EEADC42910117EBDCAC8BEB85AC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_DBB0EA4EC015F6D9B4F9CAC8BEB87924" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAssetRetirementObligationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOilAndNaturalGasDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.rsppermian.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>


