I’ve heard a formula, which is kind of silly but if you’re looking for a general guideline, it seems to hold up. As for the youngest you should date, divide your age in half and add seven years.

I am 35, so I shouldn’t date anyone younger than 35/2 = 17.5 + 7 = 24.5.

If your love interest is older, do the math on their age to see if you make the cut.

That said, all individuals and relationships are different, though I personally have a hard time understanding what a 45 year old would have in common with a 23 year old and vice versa (for example), no matter how youthful the older partner looks or acts. There’s just a whole lot of life experience the younger person hasn’t been exposed to that would make things tricky, imo.