The age of consent in North Carolina is 16 -so if a 16 year old chooses to date a 20 year old that is entirely lawful.

Can a 17 year old date a 30 year old in NC?

Statutes governing North Carolinas age of consent, associated criminal charges, available defenses, and penalties for conviction. In North Carolina, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 16 years of age), even if the sex is consensual.