How do you know when you are emotionally mature to start dating?

[peterp]

I would say that the majority of juniors in high school are at a dating age, although hardly any of them are actually mature enough for it. But, I also think that most people gain some emotional maturity through the dating process. Its really up to anyone. What is your opinion regarding this?

[Gigabitch]

Dating in high school is just for practice. Dating in college is just for practice. After that, you get to start taking relationships more seriously.

If you don't practice, you never get to that point.

[dono01]

It depends on what exactly you mean. If you are talking about being old enough to interact somewhat intelligibly with other human beings of the opposite sex then yeah, i think that's old enough. If you're thinking you're going to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, I can almost assure you it's a long way off. Most people in high school get their first blowjobs, and then swear they fall in love. Then they get depressed and want to commit suicide, and the cycle continues for a few more years, and before you know it you're in college and your drinking your brains out.

Wow, that was kind of a weird tangent, but I'm too lazy to press "delete."

[Envy]

Depends entirely on the individuals IMO.

Just learn by meeting people etc.

I remember in primary school (like 10-12 yo's) the popular good looking so to say kids used to have little relationship things but it was all very short and innocent stuff. Then going into highschool around age 12/13 they were all at it!

Just wish some of the younger people wanting to see people wouldn't feel pressured into sex, and use contraception etc. As that's where stuff gets nasty IMO.

[Jas_mine]

When you don't have to ask that question!

[vashti]

I think you are ready to start dating when you have a clear understanding of what dating is, and don't blow it all out of proportion.

In other words, never.