Is it legal for a 17-year-old to date someone over the age of 21 in Illinois?

Answer 1

There are no laws against dating; only against sexual contact. That said, the age of consent in Illinois is 17, UNLESS the elder party is in a position of "trust or authority" over the younger party (for example, a teacher, coach, probation officer, or therapist). If the elder party is in a position of trust and authority over the younger party, then the age of consent is 18.

Someone who has reached the age of consent can have sex with whoever they want (as long as the other person has also reached the age of consent).

So yes, it is legal for you to date and to have sex, unless you are the 17-year-old's teacher, coach, probation officer, therapist, etc., etc. In that case you would have to wait for them to turn 18 to have sex.

Answer 2

You could get away with it. If you live on your own then you really have no one to answer too, and if you live with your parents, if you didn't tell them the age gap it would be difficult to know just by looking. If you are a mature 17 year old and can hold your own with 20 and up, then go for it. I am almost 4 years older than my husband and we've had a great relationship. Good luck Marcy

Answer 3

It depends:

• If it is a family relationship (cousins, siblings, etc.) - yes it is legal.
• If it is a dating only relationship - yes, there are no laws against dating.
• If it is a sexual relationship - again, it depends. Age of Consent varies by state and country, and in Illinois, while the AOC is 17, it still prohibits anyone 18 or older from engaging in any sexual act with anyone other than another 18 year old or older. In Illinois, a 21 year old who has sexual contact with a 17 year old can be prosecuted for statory rape or other applicable state statute.

Answer 4

Illinois has never made dating the subject of any laws. However, sexual activity has specific laws that vary throughout the world. Being 17 means it isn't going to be an issue in either case in Illinois.

Answer 5

yes, i think. 18 is the legal age when you're an adult, but it isn't that much of an age diff. hold out till she's 18 (or he)

Answer 6

No it is not. The minor will need permission from the parents of course and sex is not legal until the minor reaches age of consent, 17 in Illinois.

Answer 7

Yes you can date as long as the parents agree to it. 17 is also the age of consent there so sex is legal too.

Answer 8

Illinois does not have any laws about dating. And the age of consent is 16 for sexual activity.

Answer 9

yes