16 And 18 Year Old Dating (Is It Weird?)

Got a crush on someone super amazing, but they’re already 18? Woah, a whole two years older! Now you’re wondering, is this even okay? 

Can a 16-year-old date someone who’s 18? 

Yes, it’s totally fine! A two year gap is pretty common and is not an issue.

In this post, I’ll go over 16 and 18 year old dating and the whole age gap thing, from the legal stuff to making sure it’s healthy.

Is this crush a total win or a maybe-wait-a-minute kind of thing? Let’s find out!

Is It Weird For 16 And 18 To Date?

No, it is NOT weird for a 16 year old to date an 18 year old. 

Age gaps this small are pretty common, especially at your age, and lots of teens date people a couple of years older or younger.

Is-It-Weird-For-16-And-18-To-Date


Also Read: Can a 21 date a 18?

And if you’re both in high school, no one would even think about it being strange.

But if the 18-year-old has already graduated, things might get a little more complicated.

It might get weird if:

  • The relationship is controlling or manipulative.
  • The 18-year-old pressures the 16-year-old into anything.
  • There’s a history of bad judgment from the 18-year-old.

Is It Legal For 16 And 18 To Date?

One of the biggest concerns here is the legal side of things.

It’s NOT illegal for a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old to date as long as the relationship is non-sexual.

That said, the age of consent varies from state to state.

In 31 states (including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana), it’s 16, but in others, it’s 18.

There are also “Romeo and Juliet” laws in many states that make exceptions for consensual relationships between people close in age.


However, even with these exceptions, there’s still a risk of getting charged if you get physical.

My advice – DON’T even think about it!

Kissing and dating is fine, just don’t do anything else! Wait till you are 18.

Pros Of Dating A 18 Year Old When You Are 16

Dating someone who is 18 when you are 16 can have its advantages. Here are some:

Learning Opportunities

Being with someone a couple years older can expose you to some really valuable learning experiences.

He might have already dealt with things like balancing school and work, figuring out their first job or apartment, or learning how to manage money.

You can learn a lot from these experiences.

He might also have good advice on how to handle tricky social situations.

Maybe he has dealt with difficult friend groups before and can share tips on how to navigate conflict or awkwardness.

Support And Guidance

An older partner might be more willing and able to offer support in different areas of your life.

They could help you brainstorm ideas for a tough school project, offer advice on how to deal with a friend who’s bothering you, or just be someone you can talk to about anything.

Also Read: Dating a dentist

This extra support can be especially helpful during stressful times, like college applications or exam periods.

Expanded Social Circle

Dating an 18 year old can introduce you to a whole new group of people you wouldn’t have met otherwise.

You get to know their friends, colleagues, or people they hang out with outside of school.

This can expose you to new interests, hobbies, or activities.

Setting Standards for Future Relationships

A relationship with someone more mature can help set the standard for what you want out of future partners.

You may learn which qualities are most important to you, which pitfalls to avoid, and gain confidence in setting healthy boundaries and expectations.

Setting-Standards-for-Future-Relationships


It can be awesome practice for long-term relationships.

Shared Interests

Sometimes, with a slightly older partner in school, you might actually have more things in common because your interests are closer in line.

You might enjoy similar music, movies, or hobbies, which can lead to a stronger connection and more fun things to do together.

Maturity And Life Stage

A major issue with age-gap relationships involving teens is the difference in maturity levels and life experiences.

At 16, you’re still navigating the whole “teenager” thing, while an 18-year-old is considered a legal adult and might be heading off to college or getting a full-time job.

This difference can create an imbalance of power, where the older person has more influence or control over the younger one.

Also Read: Dating a vet

However, compared to a younger classmate, an 18-year-old guy might be better at understanding emotions and communicating clearly. 

This can make the relationship feel more stable and secure because you can talk things through and find solutions together.

Long Term Problems

While a two-year age gap might not seem like a big deal right now, you have to think about how it could affect things long-term.

As the older person goes off to college or gets a job, while you’re still in high school, your lives and goals might start going in different directions.

This can make it really hard to keep the relationship going and will lead to a breakup.

You both need to think about whether this connection can really last, and be prepared for the challenges that might come up.

Leave a Comment