How old do you think you should be before you start dating? / LJWorld.com

Asked at West Junior High School on March 6, 2007

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“I think it should be whenever you’re mature enough and your parents think you’re ready.”

— Christina Picicci, freshman,

“Sixteen. I believe you’re ready to start dating, because your feelings are mature enough at that age.”

— Stephen Jordan, freshman,

“I think you should be at least 12, because that’s when some kids start to go through a more mature stage.”

— Valisity Clark, freshman,

“Probably 14. I just think you’re ready at that age.”

— Madison Brumley, seventh grade,

“Fourteen or 15. At least that’s when most people start.”

— Ian Robinson, seventh grade,

“Twelve, because I think you should start dating young so you can experience new things and find your true love.”

— Fahtma Chatoo, freshman,

“I don’t think it’s really an age thing. I think it’s just whenever you’re responsible and mature enough to handle a relationship.”

— Dylan Guthrie, freshman,

“I’m more on the conservative side, so I would say 18 or older.”

— Sam Walter, freshman,

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egrdog 7 years, 1 month ago

I think it really depends on what you mean by dating and the individual's maturity.

If you mean dating as in, serious meals out, perhaps sex, etc., I think you should never start before age 18. (And for sex, wait until marriage. I'm 14 but I truly believe this and plan to practice it.)

If, however, "dating" can mean hanging out at a guy-friend's house just chatting, under the label of "dating", then it's probably fine to start at 12.

Also into consideration--maturity level. I've always been told that I'm pretty mature, and I don't plan to date until 16 at least. But it also depends on the other person's maturity...

Another thing which almost no one talks about is who is the person you're dating? If you're dating for the sake of dating, then I disagree with it no matter what age you are. You should date because you have feelings for a peron and those feelings are reciprocated. If that happens at age 12 then so be it--if it doesn't happen until 80, same thing.

Bassetlover 7 years, 1 month ago

12 years old is a good age to start dating? Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! God bless the parents of Sam Walter. Sounds like he has his feet planted firmly on the ground. What a breath of fresh air his opinion is in this age of permissiveness. While I think 16 is also a good age to start dating, its nice to see there are still a few conservative-minded kids out there today. Sam rocks!!!