What age do you think is appropriate for a first real girlfriend or boyfriend that you go on an actual date with?

I guess it depends on what your purpose for dating is.

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More than a handful is NOT a waste! :)

Id say somewhere between 15 and 16, but thats just my opinion.

16, 17 depending on the kid.  Some are a lot more mature than others....some are too mature nowadays.  I wasnt ready till I was 18 and even then I wasnt looking for anything at all serious. 

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Maestro Please

I think fourteen/fifteen is a good age for dating to start.  I would keep a really close rein on the dating at that age though.  Once they hit sixteen I would loosen up a little bit, but not too much.

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Finding my muse

Hmm I think it depends on the person & what date they are going on.. Sensible dates like the cinema with a curfew I would say are ok from about 14-15 x

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Tumbling tumble weed