It is not against the law for an 18-year-old to “date” a 17-year-old. The problem arises when the 18-year-old wants to participate in the physical components of a love relationship with the 17-year-old in a state where there is no exception for an adult and a juvenile of such close age. Is It Illegal For An 18-Year-Old To Date A 17-Year-Old?  It’s not against the law for a 17-year-old to date an 18-year-old. However, having intercourse with someone under the age of 18 may be prohibited and result in prosecution for statutory rape. However, there is an exemption known as the “Romeo and Juliet” defense, which can keep some perpetrators…