So, is a 10-year age difference too much? Is a 15-year age difference too much? Not necessarily. If you and your partner have shared interests and similar goals, treat each other with kindness and respect, and enjoy your relationship, then don’t let age get in the way of things!
Can a 25-year-old date an 18-year-old? Legally, yes, but it might not be the best idea. You’re at pretty different stages in your life, which would make things difficult long-term. Additionally, if one person is younger than their mid-20s, their prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed, and that’s the part of the brain that controls impulses and rational thinking. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Is it OK for an older woman to date a younger man? Yes! It’s more common to see older men with younger women, but that doesn’t mean that older women can’t date younger men. You might have to deal with some less-than-ideal labeling (i. e. “cougar”), but there’s nothing wrong with dating a younger guy.
In the U. S. , the age of consent (when a person can legally consent to sex) is between 16 and 18, depending on the state. [5] X Research source Each state also defines a minimum age—ranging from 10 to 18—which prevents a person from legally consenting to sex if they are at or below that age. Some states also impose an age differential, which is the maximum age difference legally allowed between the two parties if one is younger than the age of consent but older than the minimum age. The age difference ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the state.
For instance, say that you’re 20 and your partner is 35. You might be going to college and want to have an active social life. Your partner might be settled into their career and less interested in partying on the weekends. When your priorities are different, the relationship might not last. Additionally, if your friends, family, and community aren’t supportive of your relationship, your commitment to the relationship may decrease, making it less likely to succeed. [9] X Research source
This dating rule is not based on science and is thought to be first published in a book in 1901. Take this advice with a grain of salt—the same book also advises men not to marry women who are older, taller, or wealthier than they are. Considering how much society has changed since the early 20th century, this dating rule probably isn’t that relevant. [10] X Research source
