Is it legal to date a 15 year old if you're 17?

[Anonymous]

Me and my buddies were having an argument over this question because one of my buddies is 17 and he wants to date this 15 year old. He says that they both want to send nudes to each other and I told him that wasn't a good idea because she's too young and you're too old. Am I right? Can a 17 year old guy date a 15 year old girl?

[lovelyhoneybones]

Anyone who is under the age of 18 can not send nudes given that it's classified as child pornography. Anyone find with those pictures can be charged with possession of child pornography. If they share them, that's distribution of child pornography.

But to answer your question, yes. A 15 year old can legally date a 17 year old. Or the other way around. It's best to check your state laws though. Always check state laws.

[Anonymous]

yeah they can date. it's a 2 year age gap, not that big a deal.
and legally speaking, at least in most American states that I know of, the age of consent is 16 within a 4 year age gap, meaning a 16 year old can be with a 20 year old, 17 with a 21 etc. basically if you in high school at the same time, and you weren't held back, you're good.

[Anonymous]

Why do so many people on this topic equate dating with sex?

Facts:

1. Sending nudes, or anything vaguely pornographic, is illegal in most western countries if you are under 18.

2. There are no laws forbidding dating UNDER 18 in any country I know of.

[Opinion Owner]

Thank you for MHO.

[catahtx]

In many states the age difference should be no longer than 3 years apart, especially if he's about to turn 18 then it could cause major trouble. Because with or without consent it would mean a case of child pornography for him and he could get jail time.

[Asker]

But he's not turning 18 for another 6 months

[catahtx]

some officers under the " law " could still try him as an adult.

[Brotatofordayo]

Yea, a 17 can date a 15 year old, but nudes are a no-no. Also make sure they get a Romeo-and-Juliet clause so it’ll stay legal when he turns 18

[zagor]

Yes, but not send nudes. SHE could be arrested for distributing CP. Stupid law, but that's the way it is.

[tiabell]

no. its fine in the U. S but the sending nudes is illegal for both. Child pornography. they are both under 18

[calimac]

of course it's legal. even if it wasn't I don't think anyone would care unless the 25 year old was being harassed in any way.

[strangytie]

Yes but not send nudes because the girl is (I presume) under the age of sexual consent.

[Bleh-___-]

Yeah he can. And when he turns 18 she'll be 16 which is the legal age of consent in many areas.

[Anonymous]

It's only a few years difference-sounds okay to me.

[MatuGS]

Your friend can, but send nudes it's a little bit extreme.

[Mileyislucky]

Definitely legal. The only law against it is sex.

[TBeth]

Yes it's totally legal to my knowledge.

[Peachman]

Pretty sure its legal at least in Australia

[TomBradysJersey]

It depends on the law in your area

[Anonymous]

it is up to where u live

[Dred1614returns]

Don't do it.

[kirablue]

yes.