can a 20 year old legally date and have sex with a 16 yaer old?
101804
It depends on the state.  But in most states it would be legal.  In California and a couple of other states, the age of consent is 18, in New York it is 17, but in most it is 16.\n\nYou can find charts of the age of consent all over the nternet -- just be sure it is up to date, and supported by statute before you rely on it.  Wikipedia has a good summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_consent\nAlso -- be aware that there are different ages depending on what you are consenting to --  the marriage laws referred to in other answers are different things.
584826
It depends on the state. Most do not allow people to get married who would fall under a statutory rape law. Others specifically define the offenses as intercourse with a minor who is not the spouse. In all states it is not illegal to have consensual sex with your spouse, regardless of age, as long as the marriage is valid.
347071
By the UCMJ a military person can date a person 16 years or older.  Although also by military standards you must adhere to local/state laws.  If the state age of consent is 18 the youngest you can date is 18.  If the state age of consent is 15 the youngest you can date is 16.
376399
it's prefectly legal if not a bit strange. the maturity levels between a 15 year old and a 12 year old are pretty different. the only legal problem that could arise is if after 3 years if they are still dating and the 18 yr old and 15 yr old have sex and are caught, that would be statutory rape.
665351
If the age gap means it's illegal in your country then the simple answer is "no". However, if it's legal, then there's nothing wrong with there being an age gap really. So long as both are WILLING participants, then there's really no issue.
39853
It doesn't matter,even if you are 6 months apart, if one of you is over 18 they can go to jail for being with a minor. It happend to my son, who was only 6 months old than his 17  girlfriend and he still went to jail for dating a minor.
100766
First of all... old men that like young people are sick losers and should be in prison.\n\nSecond... 14 year olds should be at home after 9pm.\n\nThird... I think 16 year olds can date 14 year olds but make sure that just bc you're a little older you don't put pressure on the sex issue.  Wait a few years PLEASE.
575182
There's no age limit for dating. What matters is that you and the guy click!
1144926
There is not a thing wrong with a 14 and 16 year olds to date each other. As long as you understand what dating is. \nMany think dating is a relationship but that is not the truth. Dating is spending time together sharing in activities and having fun. It is to enjoy each others company while getting to know each other. \nAlso many may disagree with me and call me old fashion but, I urge you to take things slow and really get to know each other and try not to pressure each other into a relationship. There is no rush and enjoy your teen years for once they are gone there is no going back.
1184684
Somebody 16 or over having sex with somebody 15 or younger.
774876
NO SEX IS NOT ILLEGAL FOR UNMARRIED COUPLE BUT THE MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS.
443223
Yes. Age is a number and providing the reason that both parties are together is not based on reasons other than love (lust?) then there is not a problem.  That is the question that needs to be seriously consulted however.  There is no law being broken and if they are happy then so what. You must also take into account the maturity of both people.  I knew people at 14 who were more mature than those aged 20, likewise now, I know 25-30 year olds who have the maturity of a late teen.\n\n(and no, I'm not a 40year old dating a teenage girl, I'm 22...and prefer men anyway ;-p)
1128886
If both participants are adults, it's actually legal in most states.  Marriage is out of the question, but the act itself isn't illegal.
738829
depends on what level of dating you want. It could be totally ok unless you cross the sexual realm and then it could come into a question of legality he could be charged with satutory rape because of his age and yours, I dated nothing but older guys in highschool but never crossed the line into sex, alot of guys around that age are scared to anyway simply because of the possibilities of charges. and some just simply stayed away from the younger girls because of it.
587744
Not under law between two consenting adults. Though it is with a prostitute.\nMOST IMPORTANT THING:\nGOD DOES NOT SANCTION ADULTERY.
521178
If you have a sensible head on your shoulders and know how to handle yourself then why not? It may be illegal for him to have sex with you where you come from though and he'll be the one that could get a criminal record if it is! But generally speaking, four years age difference is nothing! Just be very careful, is all I can suggest. Many older men have desires for young girls that are not altogether healthy.\nJust use some good judgment and keep safe!
946319
Age of Consent in Michigan is 16.