What I am use to is selecting a clip on the timeline, moving the playhead to where I want it and using Q to extend or shorten the in point and W to extend or shorten the out point. I don't need to actually select the in or the out point first. If that NEW in/out point intersects with another clip on the timeline, it will either overwrite, overlap(disolve) or only extend to the edge of the other clip depending on what mode the editor is in.
Again, I realize Premiere is different than what I am used to, and I'm sure I'll get used to it. Was just curious if it was possible to do what I was asking.
Thanks