Guys and girls, would you rather date someone younger than you, the same age as you, or older than you? Why?

Question

Most of the time you hear about guys preferring younger girls and girls preferring older men. I'm wondering how accurate this generalization is.

I myself have never really been into younger girls. I'm still a teenager though, so that may very well change as I get older. But I've never liked the thought of going out with someone younger than me by more than, say, a year. I've always preferred someone my age, but recently I've actually begun to want to date older girls. Not too much older, but maybe 1-4 years older. There's something about it that attracts me lol. I'd still be very happy to date someone my age though.

So, how bout you guys?

(Note: For the poll, I put age ranges for the "younger" and "older" options because I do think getting an answer of a few years younger or older than the person would be different from getting an answer of a huge age difference, be it younger or older. If you fall into Option D, feel free to elaborate or be more specific in your answer. And of course, anyone else can elaborate on their preference too.)

kriskiss · Accepted Answer

I normally like girls considerably older or younger than me but not my own age. I am kind of immature and a mess for my own age so girls my own age kinna write me off even if they dig me. younger girls normally do not know much better and are a bit naive which is always attractive and alluring to some degree, yet young girls are often fickle which is very annoying.

In general I tend to like women older than me at least 5 years up to 20 and this is for a number of reasons. Older women generally do not play games are tired of the rat race of dating and are more straightforward than younger girls who are more insecure. Older women are more comfortable in their own skin, have more experience in everything in life, and have much less drama and baggage even if they have kids or have an ex or a few x husbands. Older women are normally better in bed(though not always) and have a more whatever attitude toward life. But both have their ups and downs... but I def avoid girls my own age for sure.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I think it's hilarious that a ton of girls only date older guys because they think they're more mature than guys their own age. Really, if he's dating girls that much younger than him, he's 100 times more immature than the average guy. Get your heads out of your asses. /rant

JumpThenFall · Accepted Answer

I'm 22 and I perfer to date guys aged 24-29. It's not that I'm not attracted to guys my age, it's just that most of them don't want to date seriously. Those guys are still screwing around, which is normal but not what I'm looking for.

It's not even that I think guys in thier mid-late 20s are that much more mature than guys in thier early 20s. It's just that by that time most of them have changed thier priorities from partying all the time to work and being responsible and wanting to be with someone more seriously.

I'm not saying all guys are like that, but in my experience that seems to be the trend.

rougecerise · Accepted Answer

I normally date people older than me! In fact, my husband is 8.5-9 years older than I am. When we think about the age difference between us, it really boggles my mind! I don't feel like it's an issue.

For me, though, I don't look at age. I've always looked at the "period of life" that people are in. Like if I was in college, I probably couldn't successfully date someone that was in a serious career, or that was still in high school. Our life expectations and experiences at that time are too different to be able to adequately relate to each other.

Brendi87 · Accepted Answer

I go for older than me  because I've gotten to know guys younger than me and they are too childish/playful and I like someone who I can walk normally with and won't try to do something stupid to me in public like carry me over their shoulder. The guys my age are players; it didn't matter what age I was, from 18 or 24, they just wanted to "have fun". I thought my boyfriend was a year older than me  because of the year he was born is different than mine but he's actually 7 months older and that's still good enough. We are only the same age for 5 months.

Anonymous · Answer

When it comes to dating... I picked C, but I don't prefer someone who is 1-6 years older than me more than I do someone my age. Someone that is a year or so younger than me is also on the same level, but 2 years is about it. I'm not really interested in younger girls. Then again I'm 21 so I can't get too much younger anyways haha. I do feel, however, that I relate more with a woman that is several years older than me than I do someone my age.

I can't see myself dating a woman that is 10+ years older than me, not right now anyways. Just like I don't think I could date a young 20 year old when I am in my 30's. That might change when I actually get to that age but as of right now.. not so much.

I have no problem with having a fling or hooking up with a woman who is in their 30's or 40's but I not sure if I could date someone that much older than I am... I will say that I won't use a persons age as a reason not to date them, but the odds that I will have something in common with a woman that is that much older than me would be a bit low. As well as us being in two different parts of our lives at that point being a huge factor, but if everything was lined up just right, I would have no problem with dating an older woman.

Also, I think the older I get the greater the age difference for me to be compatible with increases. So, as a 21 year old... 27-28 would be the top for me to actively go after, while when I become 35 a woman that is in her 50's would stand the same amount of chance for me to actively go after... assuming I'm still single.

honeyltsme · Answer

I would date a woman any age if she has no insecurities or unprovoked jealousy issues related to my occupation (photographer in NYC), and who also maintained energy level, physique and appearance that would be not worse than mine.

Statistically I've had better luck with younger girls who'd satisfied these criteria more effortlessly. In terms of meeting "the one", who knows what age she'd be but if I were in control of fate I would say mid-20s would be the ideal age, where you'd have a couple of years to date, a year to be engaged, and a couple of years newly married, and then for her to have the first kid when she can also have a 2nd after at a reasonable age (and maybe 3rd if we so choose).

aMuse · Answer

Girls my age or older usually have been through a divorce, have a kid or two, or have some mix of issues that makes them unpalatable, but tend to at least know what they want and are more comfortable with themselves which is good. Younger girls tend to be immature, insecure, inexperienced, don't know what they want, play lots of games, but usually don't come with baggage like ex husbands, kids, etc. Finding the available ones that don't fall into the stereotypical muck isn't that easy. =P I guess I'd like to date a younger women that has a more mature personality. Best of both worlds. ha! =P

Anonymous · Answer

I've dated men older and younger than me... there wasn't much difference.

I tend to go for older men (regarding looks) - I think men typically look their best 30-50, I actually love a little wear on the man's face.

I would say I wouldn't date younger than 21 just because I don't want to be stuck trying to get into some place that he can't. And I probably wouldn't date anything older than 45-50.

Preferably though, older.

But I never say no because of things like age, unless their underage of course, haha!

Anonymous · Answer

older. I dated 12 years up it was a bit much in some ways but a bit fine in others

my ideal at this age (21) would be a guy between 24-30.

i like having someone a bit ahead of me. the older guys I dated were more wise, mature, emotionally understanding. in some ways they were a bit of..i don't know the word, I guess a mentor in a weird sort of way because they have been through what I have before since they are older and they can talk to me and understand and I find it comforting. mind you I am the type of girl who is used to strong men because my dad was the more powerful parent in the household so I think it is my nature to find a man who is stronger than I am and I will be the submissive one, I don't mind that as long as he cares for me and isn't disrespectful or unappreciative.

windy-rose · Answer

Around my age or younger. I know that's not common for a girl, but I feel like most of the guys even a couple years older than me are 'too settled' already in terms of job location, life etc. I don't know where exactly I'm going to end up, so I don't really want to date someone that may tie me down to one place right off the bat.

Woo mid twenties.

GoldenWing · Answer

Neh, I think it's a case of "to each his own". I have always dated guys about three years older than myself to about the same age as I am. Then I've dated a guy who's one year & seven months younger than myself, which was a lot of fun. My current guy friends are a year to two years younger than I am & I find myself getting along better with the younger guys. I've had a strict dad & was never allowed guy friends until I finished school, so it kind of robbed me of my teenage years. I'm only starting to live my life now. It really depends on the person himself. Some younger girls or guys could be more mature than the older ones, depending on how tough they've had it in their lives, how they were raised, etc. If a young guy/girl is very mature, then they would date someone whose maturity levels up to theirs & if an older guy/girl isn't that mature, they would date someone whose maturity levels up to theirs. It's logical really..*

sef0181 · Answer

I prefer somebody about my age. I'm still in college, so somebody that is also still in college or not too far out of it would be preferable. (I'm technically a Jr and 21.) I could date a freshman, if they were the mature type, or somebody that graduated not too long ago.

Or, of course, somebody that's not in school, but not too drastically different age-wise.

The important part would be that they understand where I am in life currently (living at home, saving money, and finishing school), and where my life is headed.

brittany30h7 · Answer

I prefer men older than me. I was 18 and dating a 22 year old and then 19 dating a 25 year old. It was just that once I got out of high school and into college, the younger boys looked like babies. I also like to date up because older guys typically have their own places and steady jobs like myself and that is attractive.

ArabianPwincess197 · Answer

Depends to be honest if you like someone, love someone or are interested in them no matter how old they are you would want to be with them. However, what you think isn't normally what the society agrees with too. For example, say the woman was 18 and the guy she fancied 35 - technically old enough to be her father thus; the society would frown upon it!

Betawolf · Answer

I am generally more attracted to girls that are 2-3 years younger than me, or 5-6 years older than me. That doesn't mean that that is ALL I go for, just what I have noticed more often than not. If I had a preference, I would choose the girl to be a few years younger than I.

fefe884 · Answer

For me personally, I don't really like dating people anywhere ranging from younger than me to1  year older than me. Between 2-7 years older than me is the ideal age range for me actually, but I selected C because that's the closest thing to my answer lol.

ShyAndPetiteAsian · Answer

I choose C because guys usually mature 7 years slower than girls in term of mentality according to experts.And also because girls usually age a few years faster than guys unless she has a baby face.This would sort of making things almost 'balance'.Haha.

Electric_Dreams · Answer

I'm 21, and my answer is...

Older. I have mummy issues... as does that one guy from that band, the boyband from The X Factor. Anyway I'm talkin' about the guy who appears to be the most famous, he totally loves the cougars so I get the feeling he quite clearlyt has mummy issues.

Daddy issues are cooler. All the best cowboys have daddy issues... to be fair I have them too though lol.

TheGodEmperorLeto · Answer

I have no preference. Age difference be it + or - doesn't matter. The age itself might matter. For example, if they are younger than the late college years (say 21-22) than I might not bother. Mostly because many people change a lot from middle/high school into college years. That change causes friction and strain on a relationship. No reason to bother then. So ya... that's my answer

Anonymous · Answer

I tend to be more interested in guys that are between one and 8 years older than me, but it's just a general thing I find appealing - I've dated younger guys and guys my age and been fine with it.

For some reason age is just a trait that is a small bit of a turn-on - maybe it's just because at my age it does usually mean more experience and a more mature attitude sometimes.

ellensp93 · Answer

It really depends for me.  I would like to date someone the same age just because there's a lot more in common, but also there's something about older guys that is more sexy. Like for instance already having a job, knowing more about the world, there's more things that they can impress us with.  They are also more serious and looking for a serious relationship instead of just sex and looking to party all the time.  Its mostly that older guys tend to be more attractive because were attracted to how much more they know about the world than we do.  At the same time though I would like for the man to be a bit immature at times too though and just have fun because I'm still younger and I could be immature at times myself.  As for dating younger guys I've never really saw it as an option for me but if it did I might try it out.  Same age or older is my preference.

VeteranSoldier · Answer

OLDER! OH MY GOD OLDER, medically speaking it takes women longer to mature mentally than males. (Harvard Medical Study on Brain Growth)

I have found never date anyone my age or younger.

Results.

Success, drama free.

DutchAtheist · Answer

Here is the thing, I connect better with older women character wise and in life goals and ambitions, but I really would want kids and I don't think you should have the first one over thirty if you are a woman. So I guess, my age or a reallymature younger girl.

Anonymous · Answer

I like older guys. I'm a teenager myself and I think teen girls mature faster than boys. Maybe it's just where I live but the boys my age are a*rs holes lol plus most of them don't look their age. I tend to fancy guys much older than me (like 10 years older sometimes) but I would never actually date someone with that big of an age gap. A few years defiantly though. Dating a younger guy kind of creeps me out. I feel like a cradle snatcher lol.

Anonymous · Answer

I've generally dated guys who are within +5 to -5 years of my age.   I've tried older, but that dymanic didn't work for me ... it definitely wasn't a match of "equals" so to speak.  I haven't tried younger than -5, and doubt I would because I know that guys are very visual and they tend to resent a female aging.

RedSmartie · Answer

I would rather date someone around my age.  It just feels more comfortable than dating a person who is too far apart in age.  Too old and I start to feel childish.  Too young and I start to feel like his babysitter.

mikimouse · Answer

I used to like guys who were older because I thought they were mature but then they always thought I was immature. I find that guys who are the same age as me generally are more likely to ask me out than guys who are older than me.

vishna · Answer

At my age :) dating six years above is illegal ha ha besides most older guys only want one thing ...so I'll stick to the guys my age...even if a lot of them are years behind in that whole 'maturity' thing

mormollio · Answer

I voted younger, but I wouldn't date someone 6 years younger than me. Atleast not while I'm at 18, that's just weird...18 x 12 year old. When I'm a 20 something sure.

Prof_Don · Answer

It is difficult to equate numerical data with romantic and sexual attraction.

Every girl I've dated has been younger than me; I seem to attract younger females more than females my age. Probably because I look so young in the face lol.

Off of personal experience, I voted "A".

tadpole25 · Answer

I'm 21. So I'd probably date in the 18 to 24 range (6 year spread).

Anything below 17 is a no-go, but I'd be open to dating an woman older than 24, though I don't think it is likely we would be on the same page in life.

ryanontario · Answer

interesting most guys want someone younger and most girls someone older . but definity agree I'm looking for someone younger than me by a couple years at least . find the girls my age are allready taken or been around the block too much so I'm looking for girls just entering the dating world

canuckfarmgirl · Answer

I usually end up with guys that are my age and older (up to about 5 years older). I can't really relate to guys close to my own age, I have much easier time with older guys from a maturity perspective. Most of my friends are 2-7 years older than me, so its sort of normal to me.

Anonymous · Answer

Same age or younger. The yougest guy I liked was actually 3 1/2 years younger than me -.- But anyhow, I like baby-faced guys, and those whos innocence hasn't been stripped from them (I mean they shouldn't of ever done stuff like having sex, smoking pot/drinking alcohol, or anything like that). I still have a lot of innocence in me and I believe I can connect with younger guys. I do currently have a crush on a guy who is older than me, but not more than 2 years. He is turning 21 a week or two before I turn 20. I like goofy, sweet, dorky, nerdy, and cute guys. Older guys can have all of those characteristics but somehow I am attracted to younger guys. In the past year, I have liked 8 that were younger than I am. I liked the guy who was 3 1/2 years younger than me when I was 17 and he was 14. I like them younger guys :3

MusicInMotion67 · Answer

I'm a 45 year old woman and have always dated my age or up to five years older, but the older I get the less the age matters...well except I still can't go out with guys who are a lot younger than me, it makes me feel like I'm robbing the cradle and the oldest I've dated was 12 yrs. my Sr. and he didn't look or act it. However, I have noticed that a LOT of very young men contact me and prefer older women which I still don't get it but that's my two cents worth lol.

Betwyn · Answer

I tend to date guys 2-3 years older... But I have dated my age.. and I've dated younger... I also once dated a guy 16 years older then me...

Tripz · Answer

Typically someone my age or older, being how young I am, but love isn't defined by age, so I went younger :)

sweetsteel15 · Answer

I love baby-faced guys. And also younger guys tend to be so much sweeter than older guys in my opinion. Of course there are guys who are older than me that are sweet, but I really like younger ones! My guy friend calls me a cougar lol! But I'm only 19 haha

NoOneListens21 · Answer

Prefer older guys always. lol. by ten or twenty plus years.

madysa · Answer

i'd prefer men about my age, or up to 5 years older. up to 2 years younger is OK, but not really what I'm looking for.

my reason? well, generally women age faster than men. I don't want to walk beside a guy and look like his elder sister, or worse still, his aunt *lol* plus I feel more emotionally secure with men around my age or slightly older.

kittycatsmeow · Answer

usually I date guys a few years older 1-3 years. dated someone a year younger, it lasted for a couple of years but I was definitely more mature and more experienced in life despite being only a year older. now I'm dating someone 10+ years older and it's great. I think we are in similar places in life just because I am a little "older" than people my age while he is "younger" than his counterparts.

luigi · Answer

no more than 10 years older or no less than 10 years younger but close to my age is best

ketfoen · Answer

I'd rather date someone my age or older. I just don't have the patience to go through a young woman's drama again, that's until my daughter(s) go through that phase too, but I'll make an exception there.

drummerdude25 · Answer

As long as they're close in age I wouldn't care... I'd date a girl that was like 3 years older than me if I had the opportunity, but that would probably be as far as I would go (in either direction) at the moment.

Alexias · Answer

I would go for someone either my age or a bit older because we'll be able to relate to each other as we are going through similar experiences. So my range would be 18-22.

sikoo31 · Answer

date: younger(1-4 years).  f***: older(1-16 years). cause I'm kinky like that.

imperatriz · Answer

I guess if I had to choose between the three, I would prefer to date someone my age but I really don't mind if he is younger or older just as long as it's not by too much.

chriistellkelly · Answer

Older. Most guys my age are immature and annoying.

fawkinzeez · Answer

i would prefer a younger girl 3 years max. but I have no problem with girls my age or a bit older than me! I do not discriminate

SummerHeatGirl · Answer

I would date someone same age as me or  two years younger  and two years older than me because it's great to be with someone who's at the same stage level where I am at and will live together long.

Anonymous · Answer

Well, my hugest crush in the world in 6 years older than me, which is sad, but my parents are 7 years apart so it's not bad. Most of my crushes though are 1-3 years older than me, I have no idea why. I don't realize their older till I've even talked to them!

MakeLoveNotWar · Answer

I'd prefer them around my age, but I'd probably date a girl between the age of 18 - 28.

Anonymous · Answer

I'd prefer a guy that's either my age or a little older. (3-4 years). I guess a little younger wouldn't be bad in the future once guys stop being so immature.

Anonymous · Answer

I'd rather date someone my age or older. I just don't have the patience to go through a young woman's drama again, that's until my daughter(s) go through that phase too, but I'll make an exception there.

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Owenscafcx · Answer

I personally prefer a guy who is a lot older then me. I have been with a guy who was 5 years older then me but he wasn't a man he was a mouse. I have also dated a guy 9 years older then me he is mature and knows the value of life. I've done a year younger then me & it was childish  behavior .

MissBella · Answer

I like older men. My fiance is five years older than me and it's a perfect age gap. I actually act more mature than him! He's 25 and I'm 20 and I feel like the older one most of the time. I find guys my age immature, annoying and rude.

sweet_18 · Answer

I'd rather him be a little older. Just for maturity reasons. Although I know that some guys are younger and are more mature than older guys so it depends

coprophobia · Answer

preference would b older but it really doesn't matter . what counts is the person having a good understanding of you and you can relate to but also offer sound advicw. but id prefer older

Mumble · Answer

My boyfriend is 5 months older than me and I find it pretty good fitting, I'm not complaining :)

swisschocolate · Answer

Always older for me.  I like both young & old but older I prefer

Anonymous · Answer

I personally would prefer someone who is my age or older but not by too much. Just maybe a year or 2. Since girls tend to mature more quickly than boys, girls tend to look for someone who is on the same maturity level. Also, I personally would feel strange dating a younger guy because I'd feel more or less like a cougar.

beastman88 · Answer

my age or older, I find younger women to be too immature and childish for my taste.

Seedsnddbf · Answer

Definitely much older. I'm 30 and there's no fucking way I'm dating a woman in her 20's anymore. Lol Period.

I like older women because I always connect a lot better with someone who has experienced as much as have. Anyone who has experienced less, well, let's just say it never works out, for me. Plus, the older you are, the more likely you are for chilling out, rather than party up a fucking storm. Most young people are into that shit. I never was even when I was a teen.

jmowen · Answer

I prefer woman a little older than myself. They seem more mature and have their head on their shoulders more than girls around or younger than my age. Plus, they always seem more 'experienced'. ;)

Guys and girls, would you rather date someone younger than you, the same age as you, or older than you? Why?

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Would you rather date someone older than you or younger?

Guys and girls, would you rather date someone younger than you, the same age as you, or older than you? Why?

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