Social Question

jeremynoviaman's avatar

Is it illegal to date a minor?

Asked by jeremynoviaman (56points) August 31st, 2009

My girlfriend is 14, will be 15 soon. In 3 months I will turn 18, when I turn 18 does it become illegal for us to date, because technically I would be an adult and she would still be a minor. Is this illegal?

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38 Answers

OreetCocker's avatar

You know the answer to this already :-) it’s not illegal to date but anything else is

kevbo's avatar

http://www.google.com/search?q=age+of+consent+4+years&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en

There is an exemption for couples within four years of age.

riskyBusiness's avatar

Simply dating a minor is not illegal in any states. However, having sex with her at that point would be illegal and statutory rape under Massachusetts law (I assume that’s where this is taking place due to your profile info), as the age of consent in that state is 18.

I’m not going to lecture you on relationships, but you might want to re-think your decision to date someone that is considerably younger than you at that age, as the maturity gap in those few years is very great.

ragingloli's avatar

not in germany

DominicX's avatar

It’s only if you have sex with someone below the legal age of consent. In California, the legal age of consent is 18, but in Nevada it’s 16, so it varies.

jeremynoviaman's avatar

what about sexual contact?

jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities's avatar

Just keep your penis to itself for three years, then wipe the dust and cobwebs off and you’re good to go!

Piper_Brianmind's avatar

Age of consent is 16 here in Michigan. You could wait three years, sure.
But you could also relocate.

drClaw's avatar

It depends on the state you live in. If you live in Washington state def take @jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities advice and keep the dong strong and away from the youngster.

Da_Wolfman's avatar

I’m sure you meant ” miner ”, yes you can date all the scruffy-faced miners you want.

MrItty's avatar

Note that age of consent doesn’t necessarily apply to only sexual intercourse. Depending on your state, it might also apply to anal and/or oral sex.

Sarcasm's avatar

To date? Not illegal. You’re allowed to hang out with people of any age you’d like.

As far as sexual activities, it’s only illegal if someone tells the cops. I suggest you get really friendly with her parents. That way, when (Yeah, I chose “when” over “if”) you two get caught, they may not call the cops.
or just keep it in your pants

What may I ask caused two high school students, three years apart, to fall in puppy love? I wasn’t ever chattin’ up any freshmen girls when I was a senior, so it just seems like such a strange situation.

Bagardbilla's avatar

15 can get to 20 !
Keep it in the threads men, it’s not worth it.

Jack79's avatar

I’d be more worried about whether her parents know. From what I understand you’re only 3 years apart, so maybe they won’t mind. Have you already had sex? Do they know? Do they care?
The law can say whatever it wants, but if her dad is cool about it, he’ll cover for you. If not, you kids could be 21 and he’d still take a shotgun and shoot you if you come anywhere near his little princess (I know I would).
You could however check what the age of consent is in your state. If it’s 16, then you could just wait for another year.

ragingloli's avatar

@Jack79
I know I would.
remind me to never let you walk behind me.

Jack79's avatar

Well my daughter’s far too young for you anyway, and right now I’ve got other fish to fry.

ragingloli's avatar

too young too old

JLeslie's avatar

Dating no. Sex might depend on the state you live in.

JLeslie's avatar

@Sarcasm I don’t know @jeremynoviaman specific situation, but I was 15 when my boyfriend was 18, but we were only one grade apart. I started school early and he started late. In school you are more your grade than your age.

The_Compassionate_Heretic's avatar

You can’t have sex or any sexual contact with her.
You’re an adult. She’s a child.
Done deal.

Sarcasm's avatar

There’s a big difference between the word “can” and the word “may”.

casheroo's avatar

Did no one read the 4 year thing @kevbo posted? I was 16 and legally dated and had sex with a guy that was 20, and I turned 17 and he was 21….it’s not illegal in PA

Sarcasm's avatar

It all depends on the state, @casheroo.
Here in California, if there are 3 years or less difference, it is still illegal, but it is a misdemeanor, rather than felony.

@jeremynoviaman‘s profile says he’s from Massachusetts, where the consent law (as far as I can see) has no grey areas, 16 is THE age.

JLeslie's avatar

Poor kid. I think my state had the 4 year rule also. I don’t think we know if he is already having sex with her. Maybe they will wait.

justus2's avatar

illegal to have sex, just dont get caught and i hope her parents are cool and not over protective. realize she is growing up and will have boyfriends and prob sex, just be safe bout it

justus2's avatar

i mean her parents realize…....

alive's avatar

@jeremynoviaman dating not illegal, sex AND sexually contact yes illegal. this includes oral sex, hand jobs and etc.

In my state the age of consent is 17.

And in my state there is an exception to this law when the 2 people are with in a 4 year age range. but you should look up the details for your own state.

Judi's avatar

If you do get caught, you can be considered a sex offender and be put on the sex offender data base for the rest of your life. Personally I think that is so stupid. I want to know who the pedophiles are, not the seniors who are dating freshmen!. UGGGG!!!!

sakura's avatar

If she is only one year off being 16 I’d wait, if you truely love each other and want to be in a mature relationship this is going to be the safest way, so you don’t get into trouble. However I know how hormones can get the better of you, so be careful amd stay safe. I would recommend staying within the guidelines of the law though :)

sapphirebeauty7's avatar

well technically i think that once your 21 that is when it becomes illegal, but hey I am not that sure you can look that up under laws of united states or something like that.
But there is nothing wrong with you dating this girl even when your 18 , the point is do you want something more from her? “Probably eh?” Well be carefull don’t loose con’troll and end up having sex with her…..........i am sure you will be in for a surprise from the cops…i believe it is against the law. Pretty much keep your hands off of her ..lol
Good luck.

filmfann's avatar

@Piper_Brianmind Relocating would be a violation of the Mann Act.

mascarraaa's avatar

Dating, no. Sex, yes. i think :)

Anon_Jihad's avatar

Well honestly jeremynoviaman, it’s just a poor situation for you to be in. She’s not on the same level as you in a measurable form of maturity and when you graduate and pursue your future, you may cause some awkward situations by hoping to stay with her. How old is Victoria?

Sarcasm's avatar

How old is Victoria?
That’s a secret.

brittanyyymosley's avatar

People are stupid. When you fall in love with someone, and you know you want to be with them and noone else, then be with them. If you know for a fact that you love her and want to be with her always, do whatever you can to be with her. I don’t understand why people judge other people. They act like it’s disgusting. Just don’t have sex. But you guys can date. If you love someone, then you love someone. Why would you give that up just because of something stupid.

Sadman20's avatar

Im 19 and am in love with a girl who is almost 14. She is also in love with me what should we do? is there a country without a consent age that we can move to?

MrItty's avatar

@Sadman20 I sincerely hope not. You are an adult and she is a child. Not just by law, by nature. That is revolting.

casheroo's avatar

@Sadman20 Um. Wait until she’s at least 16 before you think about running away together. See if you guys even last that long.

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