Age 16 means you have a driver's license. Before that your options are really limited. You may have to get a ride, walk, or just hang out at home. A date does not usually include mommy picking you up or dropping you off. So, if you make your child wait to date until they are 16 you do not have to drive them around, and they can do more than just hang around and cause trouble.
 Age 16 means more emotional maturity. Many children want to start dating at about 14, but they do not have enough maturity yet, and if they are dumped or ignored, this could lead to self esteem issues for years to come. It could also lead to them seeking attention the wrong ways. This is usually because they are not very familiar yet with how the opposite gender works. Before 14, most kids spend little time with the opposite gender. At age 16 they have had a chance to develop relationships, such as friendships, with the opposite gender. So, they can handle dating with more maturity.
 Age 16 for dating means less likelihood to be sexually involved. The younger a child begins dating and becomes involved with a member of the opposite sex the more likely they are to get into trouble. If at the age of 12 or 13 your child begins holding hands with a boy it will quickly evolve into kissing. By the time they are 16 they will most likely be having sex. However, if they do not start dating until 16, then by the time their physical involvement reaches sex, they may be old enough, mature enough, or married (which is the best time to start having sex).
Obviously you do not have to choose 16 as the age your child is old enough to start dating. When deciding at what age you are going to allow your child to date consider the following questions.
 At what age do you want your child spending one-on-one time with a member of the opposite sex? That is what dating is. So, if it makes you uncomfortable to have your 14 year old mooning after the opposite gender, then don't let them start dating.
 At what age do you feel that your child will be mature enough to handle a dating relationship? Were you mature enough when you started dating? How old were you? Hind sight is the best kind of vision, so be honest with yourself, and recognize that your child is probably similar.
 At what age do you want your child to begin kissing? Dating leads to kissing, so what are you comfortable with? This makes a big difference.
 How important is it that your child waits for marriage to have sex? The earlier you allow them to date, the more likely they are to become sexually active before marriage, so if that matters to you, choose 16, if it doesn't.decide based on their maturity level.