[Becca74]

When do you think is the best age to start dating? Lol weird question but I'm just asking and I mean like real dating not that puppy dog faking stuff...

[AKaeTrue]

Call me old fashioned, but considering sex could be involved with anything other than the puppy dog fake stuff, I say 17.5/18 years old... ;)

[sGt HarDKorE]

The best time to start is when your ready and comfortable.

[Clough]

First, when your parents say that it's okay. Second, when you and your parents agree that you are wise enough to take responsibility for your own actions. This could be anywhere from about age 16/17 on up.

That is my opinion, anyway. I'm sure that there will be others who will contribute their own opinions also.

[nicespringgirl]

Depends on what you focus on your own life,what your goal is and what kind of "dating" you are talking about...

Always be responsible and rational, don't fall for no reason.

I can't say there is an age thing, but when it's the right time you will know it. NO NEED TO RUSH!:)

P.S. U don't have to be like everyone else, be yourself. Don't do it because others all have a bf/gf!

[ScottGem]

If we are talking about one on one dating, no earlier than 14. Possibly later depending on how mature your parents think you are.

[LearningAsIGo]

16 or 17 for group dates. (Parents drop you off at the movie theater and pick you up at the movie theater--no alone time ;) )

18 for one-on-one dates.

My opinion is based on life experience by the way. I started dating too young and it put me in situations that were difficult to deal with.

[hilaryfortnum]

48.

[xxbeefyxx]

I think that you will start to date when the time is right when you've found the right person and when you are ready

[Dennis777]

Hello.

Maturity is the bigest factor. I know 15 year olds that can use the word NO and mean it. I also know 20 year olds that can't say NO if in a group that's doing what they all know is wrong.

In my day we called going out alone as car dates. That means one person had a car and no parents where around. In most cases at 16 your ready but you also need to start small. No long dates until you have proved that you will be back on time and do what you said you would be doing.

Dennis777

[nicespringgirl]

48.

Will you please explain your data?

[BMI]

If you're a girl 23, if you're a guy 10.

[xxmissconfusedxx]

The best time to start is when your ready and comfortable.

I couldn't agree more.
When you feel like your ready for such a big step

[Clough]

Capuchin agrees: Good advice. Glad to see that the grocer's apostrophe is still alive and well :)

Hey, Cap! I resemble that remark! :D

[MOWERMAN2468]

16 or 17 years old is plenty early enough.

[eggplant099]

I agree with everyone who's saying to wait until you're mature and responsible, and when your parents agree that you are mature and responsible, and not to go with anyone or into any situations that make you uncomfortable. That being said, think about this: "real" dating doesn't start of nowhere, instead it may start as a friendship or casual dating and over time mature and blossom into a serious relationship. Therefore, don't rush or put too much pressure on yourself, the another person, or a given dating situation--enjoy the friendships and crushes and the fun and stomach butterflies that come with them, and look forward to what they may become.

Now, it should be said that NO MATTER what age you are, it is very important that you are comfortable with who you're dating and with your surroundings, and to always look out for your safety. Don't go out with someone you don't feel comfortable with just because you want to date, and don't enter into situations that make you feel uncomfortable or rushed sexually in any way. You have the right to have complete control over who you date, what you feel ready to do, and at what point in your relationship you feel comfortable doing it. Anyone who robs you of that control in any way doesn't respect you, and no healthy, serious, loving relationship can exist without respect.

[MOWERMAN2468]

After college and your career is started, umm about 25?

[Homegirl 50]

Well I did'nt not let my daughter date until she was 16 and then it was only group dating. Think back on it though. I don't think you ought to date until you're 18 or out of college.
Dating takes your mind off what is important and then you end up getting dumped or used or pregnant or heartbroken, then you're asking questions on message boards all of the time when you should be studying and preparing for the future.

[nicespringgirl]

Well I did'nt not let my daughter date until she was 16 and then it was only group dating. Think back on it though. I don't think you ought to date until you're 18 or out of college.
Dating takes your mind off of what is important and then you end up getting dumped or used or pregant or heartbroken, then you're asking questions on message boards all of the time when you should be studying and preparing for the future.

Homegirl, wanted to spread some love but the systems said no.:o
I agree with you 100%! And I also agree with MOWERMAN2468. I personally have never really dated, I am planning on start it when I reach 25. By that time, I should have well established and ready to meet someone who is also mature and well established.:)

[Homegirl 50]

You're a smart young lady, nicespringgirl. I'm always happy to see young people with their heads on straight