Age Difference

[the_moth]

i've been exploring the boards and noticed there are quite a few posts regarding a age difference. Im a 18yr old male and my ex gf whom i dated for 'bout a year and a half was 16.And now im in the similar situation,accept this time im graduated and outta high school.This new girl im currently dating is 16 yrs old as well,oh when i asked her out i thought she was older then me to be honest,but anyways my question is this. What is a safe age difference between a teenage couple?

[Marko]

i think you will be fine. as long as shes not dating you just for sex because you're older you should be fine. If she looks older, chances are she's more mature in the inside as well. good luck.

[Astyle]

it seems that your pretty used to being with younger girls. I was in one and it did work out well. I was away for college, and she actually helped me transition and be more mature about things. It will feel weird at times, expecially if you plan on going to winterball and prom, but it'll wok out if you really want it to. my thing is younger/ older 2 yrs... just see where everything takes you

[VampireKitten]

I've asked around and it seems that as long as there is no sexual activity, then it's legal. Remember, since you're the adult, you can get a misdemeanor, a fine, or jail time. MAKE SURE her parents are okay with you dating her. It feels weird thinking about the age difference, but if you treat each other as equals, things should work out just fine.


My situation is very similar. I'm just out of (well, for about a month now) a long relationship (year and a half). I am currently dating a 20 year old graduate of my highschool and am 16. However, I can pass for 18 and he looks about 16...so, that changes it a bit.

[EvilEvilKitten]

Sorry but crossing the 'great divide' makes it illegal. I recommend getting your head out of high school and looking at all of the great college women around you. You did realize that campuses are teeming with women didn't you?

[SmilingInside]

eek! 10 year difference over here....18/28!

[mcsgirl]

well i'm a year and 4 months older than my boyfriend and we've been going strong for 7 months

[EvilEvilKitten]

That is NOT the point. The point is an adult, even if only 18, is NOT permitted to have any potential or actual sexual relationships with anyone who is under age. 18 and 28 is legal so tis fine. 16 and 18 is not.

[mcsgirl]

so it'd be better if he was 17 and she was 15 since tht isn't technically illegal?

not to mention depending on the state 16 may be legal

like new jersey

[sera300]

MCS:
It's still not legal but the prosecution of a 17 and a 18 year old vary. A 17 year old can still get in some problems especially if culpability can be established; meanwhile, a 17 year old still can not consent (based on the state laws) to sex but if they (the DA) can determine culpability it's a problem. For the same "crime" a 18 year old is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm Table of States

http://www.avert.org/ageconsent.htm Definitions