Although a study on age preferences found that men and women are generally open to age gaps in their own future relationships, another study found that were less understanding when it comes to someone elses relationship. The results are much harsher when it comes to couples with an older woman and a younger man.

Does age matter when dating someone?

For some romantic couples, absolutely. They never think about their age as a factor in their compatibility. Of course, these couples tend to be close in age. Modest differences in age, especially when men are older, tend not to preoccupy couples as they develop their relationships.

Is age difference a problem in a relationship?

Research indicates that heterosexual couples tend to differ in age by about three years and men tend to be older (Buss, 1989; Conroy-Beam, 2019). The standard three-year age gap has some wiggle room before age becomes salient. The larger the age gap, the more partners, and the public, might take notice.