Can a 21 Year Old Date a 18 Year Old? (2024)

There are many questions regarding dating at a young age. Can a 21 year old date a 18 year old? Let’s go over the details below.

Hopefully after reading through these frequently asked questions, you’ll understand what is legal, consensual, and normal for young relationships.

Let’s dive in…

Is It Legal for a 21 Year Old to Date a 18 Year Old?

Yes, it is legal for a 21 year old to date a 18 year old. Both ages are considered adults, meaning they are legally allowed to have sex.

Can a 21 Year Old Date a 18 Year Old?

Yes, a 21 year old can date a 18 year old. It is completely legal because both parties are considered adults.

They can engage in sexual intercourse as long as both parties consent without being forced, unconscious, mentally impaired, or drunk.

Can a 21 Year Old and 18 Year Old Have Sex?

Yes, it’s legal for a 21 year old and a 18 year old to have sex.

Because both parties are considered adults (and not minors), they are legally allowed to have sex without committing a crime.

As long as the sex is consensual from both parties without being forced, unconscious, mentally impaired, or drunk, then it is perfectly fine.

Is It Weird for an 18 Year Old to Date a 21 Year Old?

No, it’s not weird for an 18 year old to date a 21 year old. 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.

Related Post: 18 Things to Do When You Turn 18

Can a 21 Year Old Date a 17 Year Old?

A 21 year old can date a 17 year old as long as they are not having sex.

A 21 year old is considered an adult while a 17 year old is still a minor. It is illegal in most states for an adult to have a sexual relationship with a minor.

It’s considered a crime for an adult and a minor to have sex unless they are married.

A 17 year old is too young to consent for themselves in most states, therefore engaging in sex could be charged as statutory rape.

Can a 18 Year Old Date a 17 Year Old?

Yes, an 18 year old can date a 17 year old. It’s legal to be in a relationship, but the 17 year old must be at the age of consent in their specific state to have sex.

For example, a 17 year old in Colorado can legally consent to sex with a 18 year old. However, a 17 year old in California can’t legally consent to sex with a 18 year old.

You can check the laws for each state here.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Check the laws in your state to find out what ages are appropriate for dating, sex, and consent.

Hopefully you understand whether or not a 21 year old can date a 18 year old and all the other ages in between.

Stay safe!

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions leave them down below. Thanks for reading!

Can a 21 Year Old Date a 18 Year Old? (2024)

FAQs

Can a 21 Year Old Date a 18 Year Old? ›

A 3 year age gap between an 18 year-old and 21 year-old is fine , both are legally adults who are close in age and are likley over the age of consent so I do not think it is strange or immoral for them to date. Is it weird for a 19-year-old guy to date an 18-year-old girl?

Is it okay for an 18 year old to be with a 21 year old? ›

It's not illegal for you to date someone older. It is illegal for someone over 18 to have a sexual relationship or sexual activity with someone under 16, or under 18 if they are in a position of responsibility like a teacher or a sports coach.

Is it illegal for a 21 to date an 18? ›

California does not set a minimum age for someone to date within the state legally. However, if an adult has sexual relations with a minor, the adult can be charged with statutory rape.

Can a 21 year old sleep with an 18 year old? ›

What is the age of consent in California? The age of consent in California is 18 years old.

Is 18 and 21 too much of an age difference? ›

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.

How many years apart are 18 and 21? ›

There is only a 3 year age difference between a 18 year old and a 21 year old. 3 years is a small age difference.

What can't you do at 18 but can at 21? ›

While turning 18 comes with many new opportunities, rights, and responsibilities, there are a few restrictions that have yet to be lifted, like purchasing and drinking alcohol (21 years old), purchasing tobacco products in some states (21 years old), going to a casino (21 years old), and renting a vehicle (20 to 25 ...

Is 18 or 21 legal age? ›

However, almost all states set the base legal age as 18 years old. This is the age at which a person gains control over their own actions and affairs and becomes responsible for the decisions they make. Those past the age of legal majority are usually tried as adults when charged with crimes.

What if I turn 18 before my girlfriend? ›

A: There is no prohibition to continuing in a non-sexual relationship with your girlfriend. However, if you intend to engage in a sexual relationship, that may be an issue. California Penal Code section 261.5 says it is a crime to have sex if one party is over 18, while the other is 17 or under.

Is it weird for a 20 to date a 17? ›

Testing the “Creepiness Rule” The results showed that the creepiness rule is generally too lenient about how young you can date — especially as you get older. Based on the creepiness rule, a 20-year old John/Lauren can date someone who is 17. This was in line with what people surveyed found acceptable (~18).

Are 17 and 22 legal? ›

The age of majority in most states is 16. There is no outstanding law prohibiting a 22 year old dating a 17 year old. If her parents do not object, you may date her.

Is it OK for a 18 year old to sleep with parents? ›

As long as there are no obligations – both parties are doing it because they want to – there is no issue. both parent and child can stop co-sleeping when they want. Co-sleeping is a learned behaviour, and can be unlearned at any time.

How much sleep do 18 21 year olds need? ›

The average amount of sleep needed by adults and kids
Age rangeRecommended hours of sleep per day*
Teen14-17 years8 to 10
Young adult18-25 years7 to 9
Adult26-64 years7 to 9
Older adult65 years and up7 to 8
5 more rows

What is the youngest age a 21 year old can date legally? ›

In California, the age of consent is 18.

Anyone under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse. This applies to both men and women. The law does not recognize a minor's intent as legal consent, even if it is genuine.

How big of an age gap is illegal? ›

Statutory Rape: Class E Felony Statutory rape is the unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by the victim when: (1)The victim is at least 13 years of age but less than 18 years of age and the defendant is at least 4 years older than the victim; or (2) This victim is at least 15 years ...

What age gap is too big? ›

A relationship age gap bigger than 10 years often comes with its own set of issues. “While there are always exceptions to rules, a good rule to remember is that dating someone more than 10 years older will present challenges now or later that add to the preexisting challenges any relationship has,” he says.

Does adulthood start at 18 or 21? ›

In most U.S. states, children are considered adults at the age of 18. However, the legal age of adulthood should be reevaluated and changed to 21. Although being 18 does grant important privileges such as voting and joining the military, these privileges should not be introduced until age 21.

Is 3 years a big age gap? ›

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. Still, numbers rarely tell the full story when it comes to love.

Can a 19 year old be friends with a 21 year old? ›

The first thing parents should realize is that it's not uncommon for teens to develop friendships with people who are a bit older than them, she says — especially if they meet in high school.

Can a 21 year old go out with a 19 year old? ›

Yes it's perfectly okay your both legal adults , your both old enough to participate in a physical relationship and honestly three years is hardly an age gap.

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