Dating isn't easy, especially in 2026. It doesn't matter what your sexual preference is; it is tough to find someone you connect with and want to spend the rest of your life with. Everyone has something they look for in a partner. For some it is looks, for some it is humor, for others it is common interests, and for some they still aren't sure what they are looking for. One factor when it comes to dating is: do you date someone older than you, younger than you, or the same age? If not the same age, what is an acceptable age gap? Does age gap matter when it comes to dating in Colorado, and what is the average age gap in the Centennial State?

Dating Age Gap in Colorado

vitapix
vitapix

Have you ever not gone on a date because of an age gap? Were you worried about what your friends would think? What would your family say? Were you concerned about not connecting because of the age gap? According to a recent study by matchmakingcompany.com, 92% of people say age gaps in relationships matter, with 58% saying they matter moderately, significantly, or extremely. According to the survey, 11.5 years is the maximum acceptable age gap, and the average age gap that is acceptable is 10 years. Interestingly, women prefer older partners by an average age of 2.4 years, and men prefer younger women by an average age of 1.6 years. 34% of people have been in a relationship that lasted at least one month with someone who was 10 years or more younger or older than them.

The Average Age Gap in Dating in Colorado

Mark Stout
Mark Stout

According to the survey, men prefer that their partners get younger and a wider age gap as they age, while women before their partners get younger and closer to their age as they age. From 18 to 29, men prefer their partners to be around the same age on average, and then from 30 on, they want the age gap to increase, with their partner being younger. By the time men are in their 70s, they prefer an average age gap of over 11 years younger. Women prefer their partners to be about 2 to 3 years older from 18 to 50, but by the time they are in their 70s, they like their men less than a year older on average.

Is age gap a factor when you are dating? No matter if you like someone older, younger, or the same age, there is someone for everyone; you just have to find what works best for you. To see the full study, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above.

Dating to Engagement: How Long Should it Take?

Coloradans give their dating advice on how long you should date before getting engaged:

Gallery Credit: Toni Gee, TSM

Best First Date Spots and Activities in Northern Colorado

Before you ask someone out for the first time, it's a good idea to have a plan of what you want to do. Nobody wants to go on a date with someone indecisive! So here's a pretty solid list of first date ideas around NoCo to get your brand new relationship started on the right foot.

Gallery Credit: Chris Kelly

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