No. You can talk, date and even have sex, provided that its consensual. A 16 or 17 y/o can, legally / lawfully, consent to sexual relations with someone who is 23 or

Can you be 21 dating a 17 year old?

Criminal Defense » Can a 21 year old date a 17 year old in California? » Can a 21 year old date a 17 year old in California? Yes, so long as the relationship is not sexual. The prohibition on sexual activity makes California different from many other states. California does not have a “Romeo and Juliet” law.