The Student Room Group

Age in Dating

I need some opinions: what is an acceptable age difference between two dating people?
Original post by BraeLynnT
I need some opinions: what is an acceptable age difference between two dating people?

1 or 2 years
Original post by BraeLynnT
I need some opinions: what is an acceptable age difference between two dating people?

Depends. If it’s like a 10 year old and 15 year old that would be a bit weird. But if it’s a 20 year old and 25 year old…I think it’s ok. Basically what sounds right and what’s legally right.
“Unacceptable” varies greatly.

For example. Two people dating where one is 18 and the other is 14, I would say is too big an age gap (as would the law).

However, a four year age gap of someone being 25 and another 29, I would deem acceptable and fairly normal tbh.
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 4
Yeah, I think that age gaps are weird when both people aren't adults yet tbh
Reply 5
It varies with age. The formula for the youngest age you should date = 1/2 your age + 7 Or reorganising the equation the oldest person you should date is 2 x your age - 14
Reply 6
Original post by Zarek
It varies with age. The formula for the youngest age you should date = 1/2 your age + 7 Or reorganising the equation the oldest person you should date is 2 x your age - 14

ima remember that, thank you thank youuuuuu
Original post by BraeLynnT
ima remember that, thank you thank youuuuuu

Or the simplest way is 1 or 2 years that’s fine
Reply 8
Original post by Mohammed_2000
Or the simplest way is 1 or 2 years that’s fine

yh igs but like, my parents are 11 years apart and seem really happy so like :shrugging: ion know
Original post by BraeLynnT
yh igs but like, my parents are 11 years apart and seem really happy so like :shrugging: ion know

Ah okay
Reply 10
ion know. i have never dated anyone before and don't really plan on it lmaoo. i was just curious bc I hear this debate all the time
(edited 9 months ago)
Original post by BraeLynnT
I need some opinions: what is an acceptable age difference between two dating people?
It depends on the age gap and the stage that both people are in.

For example, a 34 year old male dating a 25 year old woman would be fine. However, a 25 year old male dating a 16 year old would be criminal imho. Same age gap different life stages.

The typical formula is (Age / 2) + 7 for men with a minimum age of 18. So a 28 year old should only look above 21 for females.

Women would be (Age - 7) * 2. So 18 year old should look to about 22 year old lads.
I think that I would accept any age difference if both parties were 18+. Like a 20 year old and 40 year old, not a 16 year old and 36 year old.
Reply 13
Acceptable is subjective personally I am 18 rn and can accept up to 25 everyone is different
Original post by Smart282
Acceptable is subjective personally I am 18 rn and can accept up to 25 everyone is different

Yeah, and to me, I feel like my opinions would change based on the person. Like, their personality and stuff after I have met them. Everybody is different.

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