dating someone younger than you

[jj0126]

Is it illegal for someone to date another if technically there is a year difference but one is 19 and the other is 17 just the birthdays are on different ends of the year?

 

[Betty3]

The 17 year old is still a minor until the 18th birthday. What do the parents of the 17 year old say about dating a 19 year old? It's not "technically" illegal for them to date but if the parents say no, it's no when a minor is involved. Also, dating does not mean they can engage in any sexual activity since one is a minor. That can cause problems for the 19 year old.

 

[army judge]

A smart adult that understands being free, and desirous of NOT being labelled as a child molester or sexual deviant for the rest of his or her natural life knows that adults don't befriend or date minors!

If it ain't 18, it ain't seen!

 

[Proserpina]

This is what I generally say:

If you want to date a minor, it's not illegal at all in any US state. As long as the physical contact is the same as how you'd treat your grandma, you'll be fine.

 

[Betty3]

Or as a few responders say as long as you don't do anything you wouldn't do on Sunday morning in church with the parents sitting behind you.

 

[shrinkmaster]

There are no laws that define or restrict "dating" its when sex or sexual contact (does not have to be physical) occurs that the law applies