What is the legal situation for a minor in high school dating a senior who's 18?

You’re allowed to date him, but he is not allowed to have sex with you. That is, assuming that you are below your state’s age of consent, which is not necessarily 18.

Your parents can sign for consent as long as you’re 16 in my state

In many states, there is an exception for people within four years of age.

It depends on the laws in your state. Here the legal age of consent is 16.

Dating? There’s no issue whatsoever.

Having sex? For various definitions of “sex” (vaginal intercourse, anal, oral, etc), it varies by state. Need more information to give you a better answer.

….don’t sleeeeeep with him ;)

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

You can date him, but don’t sleep with him or he could get into big trouble if your parents don’t like him.

Yes you are allowed to date her. Whether it is legal for her to have sex with you is dependent on your state’s law.

The age of consent only matters if you’re fucking.

And, fucking… is fucking.

I don’t know. I just felt like saying that.

The final authority is your parents if you are referring to a burger and a movie.

Depends on where you are, but in many cases if you have sex just before your 18th birthday and he is already over 18, it’s illegal. And it doesn’t matter whether he’s 18 and a day, or 23, or 97 for that matter.

Why is everyone inferring that the guy is the older one? in this case. i’m the younger one and she’s 18.

@iRemy_y Then the law is probably the same, but no one is likely to care.

@iRemy_y Because generally, in a relationship, the guy is the older one. You did not define in your post who was the male and who was the female. You did not define in your profile what your gender is.
So, people tend to think of the standard situation.

Yes, because now knowing she is 18… She must be desperate.

But go for it dude!!

But you still haven’t said how old you are or in which state you live, which is pretty important to accurately answering the question.

@iremy I didn’t I didn’t :D

If you don’t want to give us personal information about your age and residence (or if it’s in your profile and we’re too stupid to go look for it), go here or here to find the age of consent in your state, if in the U.S. (note that we’re all also assuming you’re American).

im 14 and im in VA

@iRemy_y Based on the Wikipedia article I linked above, any sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, analingus, anal intercourse, and animate and inanimate object sexual penetration between you would be a felony on her part.

but we’re still allowed to date outside of school right? and we’re still allowed to fool around as long as we don’t actualy do anything right?

I think it is time to ask one another’s parents.

@iRemy_y Allowed? Legally, yes, but frankly you’re setting yourselves up for trouble. I’m not going to offer you the advice and commentary I want to, because I’m sure you don’t want it and can guess what it will be (which, BTW, is a good way to figure out the right thing to do, what would you expect adults to tell you that would just make you mad – that’s what you should do). But maybe you should do what @liminal suggests and talk to your parents.

check the individual state laws, you don’t want him to get arrested for having sex with a minor.

i’ve talked to my parents. but they are thoroughly convinced that it is against the law for us to even meet outside of school, which is why i wanted proof that it wasnt. only sex is. and isn’t underage sex illegal anyway??

and @phil196662 her not him

Sorry…like others have said it’s probably ok to go to movies, parks and outdoor activities but no kissing, hugging or hand holding. it could be construed by strangers possibly as an abduction.

But at home in the house if your parents decide it ok then cuddle and show your affections!

But I would think both parents need to be in agreement!

we’re seriously not allowed to even hold hands? oh and just so u no i can pass for 20. haha i dont think strangers will think i’m the younger one.

@iRemy_y ; Perhaps the two of you need to talk to your parents and show them your in a -serious relationship_ and know how to be in public. It is very important to show that even if you pass for 20 that you keep yourselves proper in public so you don’t attract attention.

Ask your parents of they’re just being old fashion, cautious or just protective of you, Dating is a big step so maybe they are nervous at seeing you take the step! Show them you have your crap together and can do this right but it might mean just acting like your _courting…

Remember- _ your parents might need to take baby steps_ before they are ok with this new situation your presenting to them.

oh and just so u no i can pass for 20

I sincerely doubt that.

I also would question the mental capacity of any female over the age of majority that would consider “dating” a child of 14.

@Seek_Kolinahr I’m 6’1, 233lb, i have a full beard, and the fact that i’ve passed for a substitute at my school should say something… I’m proud that i look so much older but i do realize that i’m 14 and try not to take advantage of it too much

@phil196662 Citation, please. The idea that hand-holding is illegal between an 18 year old and a 14 year old is idiotic, and I don’t believe it until you show me a state law that specifies that.

@MrItty i don’t think he says its illegal. he just presumed that i look much younger than she does, and that strangers could think the worst of it and possibly report it, leading to trouble which no one wants.

See if this site helps.

@MrItty ; From a standpoint of a stranger it might look like a kidnapper or child molester but if the couple look like they match together then there should not be a problem. people tend to be paranoid about young people today so any scenes should be reviewed.

@phil196662 I despise that way of thinking. That people should police themselves because of what others might think. Screw others. If you’re not doing anything wrong, you have no reason to hide what you’re doing. If someone thinks there’s a kidnapping or molestation in process, let them report it. Then you can show the authorities that there is nothing illegal happening. You’re doing NOTHING WRONG. You have no reason to change your behavior to make other people less wary.

@MrItty – exactly… Make sure the parents are in total agreement so if something does happen they can tell the person/ people they know about it and approve…

@phil196662 Making sure parents are in agreement is one thing. Telling them they’re not allowed to hold hands in public is quite another.

true- are they old fashioned or stubborn… Gee- let the date happen, it’s gonna happen anyway. for me it’s better if I know it’s happening- call it better parenting!

I don’t know? Perhaps be patient and ask them point blank why? and see what they say and don’t let them get away with the “because I said so” crap because that is not an answer that allows a child to explore, grow and be open…

They should consider themselves blessed that you want there approval and guidance.