In addition, some states have laws that prohibit adults from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with minors, regardless of whether there is any sexual activity involved. Even if the minor consents to the sexual activity, it is still illegal under the law. However, if the relationship involves any sexual activity, it could be considered statutory rape or another type of sexual offense if the minor is below the age of consent. In general, it is not illegal to date a minor. Age of consent laws also apply to sexual activity between people of the same gender.
The age of consent varies by jurisdiction, with some states setting it at 16 years old and others setting it as high as 18 years old. It is the minimum age at which a person can be deemed capable of giving informed consent to engage in sexual activities with another person. The legal age of consent is the age at which a person is considered legally competent to consent to sexual activity with another person.