Can a 16 year old go out with a 18 year old?

Answer 1

A US Specific Answer:A literal answer to this question is, Yes; however, it has become a complicated matter. There is no law anywhere that dictates or can dictate the acceptable or allowable ages for dating. This is strictly in the purview of the parents or guardians of the individual minors in question.

Where it becomes difficult is the current environment of today. If in the course of dating, an allegation of sexual contact is brought against the adult or non-minor party, an investigation will ensue. If the allegation is of contact (touching) only, there is little evidence possible and law enforcement must rely only upon witness testimony and their own suppositions. Unfortunately what this means is that the accuser's word and the attitudes of the investigating officers will drive the case. what this further means is that the accused party is likely to be arrested, tried, convicted, sentenced and incarcerated for two or more years AND required to register for 25 years to life on the state's internet Sex Offender Registry.

In the very real likelihood that the allegation is false, it will matter little if the original accuser recants or retracts his/her statements. In events such as this, the state often picks up the charge and continues with prosecution.

Now, this is not say that it happens in every case of a dating relationship between an 18-year-old and a minor (anyone under the age of 18), but it is the most likely potential for today.