Underage dating and the US Law. Do you know?

Question

I keep on reading about different law interpretations about dating and having sex with underage people.

I understand perfectly that it is illegal to have sex with anybody that is underage. But how about dating? Dating is not the same as having sex.

If you are an adult and start going out with a minor, is that illegal? If so, do they need the minor’s parents (or legal guardians) permission? Would that make it legal or is still illegal?

Is there a difference between male and females when it comes to underage laws? And how about same-sex dating? Would it be consider the same as the others, or the law changes specifically for same-sex?

I am talking about US law. I don’t really care about the rest of the world, as I know is about the same for most “civilized” countries.

And last, how about those couples that have been together since they were teenagers. For example, she was 13, and he was 16 when they started dating. So what happens when he turns 18 and she is only 15, does he becomes a criminal even when both families agree with the relation? Does he have to stop dating her until she is 18?

I am curious now, cause it seems that many of those laws might be very stupid for many cases. I also think that people might have the wrong idea about age and love. Most answers I saw went ballistic already saying “call the cops”, or “you are going to jail”. So 17 and 394 days old makes you a little kid, but 18 years old you are now free to go and have sex with whoever you want? I don’t think so. The law can only generalize, but it must be applied very carefully depending on each situation.

To TD J:

Did I say I was dating a minor? No. Did I say I am planning or have ever dated a minor? No. Did I ask you opinion about me? No. I asked about the Law. Simple. Limit your answer to the question or just don’t answer as now I am reporting you.

I am married and planning to have kids. I have no intentions to date no minor, but I do think the law might not be right on some cases and I would like to know what the law really says about those situations.

People like you are the reason why society is so screwed up; you cannot go and assume anything just because of question that is actually very delicate. Hope you never end up in a courtroom dressed in a red jumper and having a judge and a jury with your same attitude, cause you will end up in jail for many years even if you are innocent.

Think before writing in a public place next time.

Answer 1

it doesn't matter,female male same sex, different sex. If you are over 21 and the person you want to date is under 18 then it is illegal. If you are 18 you can date anyone you want untill the age of 21, at which point u can only date 18 andup. Dating means any kind of activities that would be done if you are more then friends. Kissing, hooking up and sex obviously. Sitting in a restaurant eating or watching a movie with out hooking up doesn't consider illegal.