"Half-your-age-plus-seven" rule An often-asserted rule of thumb to determine whether an age difference is socially acceptable holds that a person should never date someone whose age is less than half their own plus seven years.
For those who'd like to put a number to things, usually, a gap of 1-7 years can be considered an acceptable age difference between adults. People whose ages are within 1-3 years typically do not see much of an age difference, while years 4-7 might begin to feel a little bit more pronounced.
The real rules about how old and young you can date. The “creepiness rule” states that the youngest you should date is “half your age plus seven.” The less commonly used corollary is that the oldest you should date is “subtract seven from your age and double it.”
Fitzpatrick says that the general age gap usually accepted by society is about ten to twelve years, after which you'll probably start raising some eyebrows; "Once one partner is old enough to be the other's parent, people tend to frown."
Originally Answered: Are 14 and 16 too much of an age gap? Two years is not a large age gap at all. The only situation in which 14 and 16 would be questionable or potentially bad is if the individuals intend to have sex, and only if 14 is legally to young to concent by the laws of your country and state.
How big of an age gap is OK? In short, research seems to indicate that in many cultures, an age gap of 1 to 3 years is considered ideal — but some researchers suggest even a relationship with an age gap of less than 10 years will bring more satisfaction.
Sure as long as they aren't doing anything sexual. 15 is below the age of consent in most places (unless they happen to be in Japan) and is not a legal adult age anywhere, but it's only a two year age difference, so if it's consensual and there's nothing sexual going on, then go for it.
Five to seven years is generally an acceptable age difference. However, there's no single right answer here, as it depends on the situation. As long as both partners are consenting adults, there's nothing preventing you from dating someone significantly older or younger than you are.
In Western countries, about 8% of male-female couples have an age gap of 10 years or more, rising to 25% in male-male unions and 15% of female-female relationships. And, in any case, experts note a perfect age difference does not exist.
Most people don't think age-gapped relationships are a big deal. A 2008 study found that couples only face societal disapproval when their age difference is over ten years—I'm in the clear! Woo! Even big age gaps tend to become less taboo as people get older, and it certainly matters at what age the couple met.
In Australia, the average age gap between opposite-sex couples is 1.8 years. This statistic is a telling indication of the reality of age difference between couples in Australia.
Think of 10 years as a general guideline, but be open to other ages as well—and don't limit yourself to dating only someone older. "'Cast a wide net' is what I tell all my clients,” Sussman says.
Meeting someone you like and could see yourself with long-term is wonderful—but if there's an age gap between you two, it could give you some pause. Dating someone 10 years younger than you might sound like a stretch, but in reality, age gap relationships can last just as long as other relationships.
How much of an age gap is too much? There is no hard and fast rule on what kind of an age gap is or isn't acceptable in any relationship. While couples typically tend to have an age gap of around one to three years in many cultures, each individual will have a different comfort level that they feel is right for them.
17 and 20 is a 3 year age gap and thats okay in my opinion. If youre asking about sexual stuff, look at your laws. The age of consent allows for 17 year olds to consent in most the states/countries. Check the Romeo and Juliet laws as well.
Being attracted to older men is totally normal, and even though stigmas around age-gap relationships exist, you should follow your heart. Typically, young people like the experience and maturity of older men. After years of dating around, older guys tend to know what they want.
They say age is just a number, but is it really? While a 14 year age gap between a 43 and 57-year-old seems normal, the 14 years in between a 18-year-old and a 32-year-old is a bit concerning.
Heterosexual couples with large age gaps had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first 6 to 10 years of marriage than similarly aged couples. Couples with an age gap of 1 to 3 years (with the man older than the woman) were the most common and had the greatest levels of satisfaction.
At 20 and 28 if the man is the oldest the age gap is not too much as long as they desire the same lifestyle and have compatible goals. If the woman was 28 and the man 20 there may be a problem because women mature sooner She may be anxious to have kids while a 20 year old man in most cases is barely an adult!
In fact, it's quite normal. Most college students are around the ages of 18-22, so it's not uncommon to see a 21 year old and a 18 year old in a relationship. Plus, the age gap between the two is very small. Both ages most likely share similar maturity, interests, and goals as well.
You'll hear lots of debate about age-gap relationship, especially the more youthful you might be. Would it be a good idea to decide to try? Though only five years between the 2 years, matchmaking when you are 23 with a 18 year-old has extremely significant differences.
A man can also marry a woman who's older or younger than him. What really matters is that they love and understand each other. When it comes to marriage and relationships, age is no longer a number!
Dating and relationships
In general, there are no laws that say when a young person can start dating another person (but there are laws about doing sexual activity with another person, which we explain below!) However, there are laws which make grooming children under the age of 16 a crime.
The purpose of statutory rape laws is to help prevent teenage pregnancies. Generally speaking, an 18-year-old can date a 16-year-old provided that the relationship is not sexual. If the relationship becomes sexual, then it could be illegal depending on the state.
It won`t be illegal for you to date your friend when they`re 16. The law doesn`t talk about dating at all because dating can mean different things to different people. People may be ready for sex at different ages, but the law says that if someone is under the age of 16, it is illegal to have sex with them.