From the viewpoint of rock mass structure control, the research progress of dynamic stability and damage mechanisms for rock slopes of massive structures, layered structures, fragmented structures, and discrete structures in recent years is reviewed in terms of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental research. The failure modes of rock mass slopes with different structures under earthquake action are summarized systematically. Aiming at the shortcomings of the current research on the failure mechanism and stability of rock slopes under earthquake load, it is pointed out that the influence of spatial variation of earthquakes on the deformation and stability of rock slopes should be considered. The study on the internal structural characteristics of rock mass should be strengthened and the accuracy of physical model test should be improved. In addition, the failure mechanism of rock slopes under the joint action of groundwater and earthquakes should be further studied.