But despite the short-lived trend of hooking up with guys with real jobs, you were always expected to follow the Standard Creepiness Rule: Never date a person younger than half your age plus seven. That means guys who were 36 shouldnt have been dating 21-year-olds.

Whats the rule for dating someone younger?

According to the rule, you divide your age by two and then add seven to calculate the socially acceptable minimum age for a partner. For example, if youre 32, you can date someone as young as 23 while remaining in the realm of socially acceptable, according to the calculation.

What is an acceptable age difference for couples?

According to the rule, you divide your age by two and then add seven to calculate the socially acceptable minimum age for a partner. For example, if youre 32, you can date someone as young as 23 while remaining in the realm of socially acceptable, according to the calculation.