The whole dating thing can be very confusing...let's take examples from some other churchs and belief systems..in the LDS church a lot of the members don't allow their children date until their 16, and when they do date, they can't date one person more than once in their teenage life. With that reason, now I may be wrong, but this is what i think, I think they do so because they don't want their children to "fall in love" or what they think is love with one certain person too soon. Does that make sense? In my church, we encourage teenagers, like myself, to date other Christians. It's very hard to hold a relationship together when you're with someone that isn't your religion, for example, or someone that doesn't believe in what you do. I tried having a relationship with someone in the LDS religion, and it was difficult. His family wanted me to become a member in their church, and well, with the beliefs that I have, I couldn't..and it caused a big tear in our relationship...anywho, I think that if you date responsibly and you limit yourself, to an extent, you'll be fine. I think dating is just another lesson in life that everyone must learn. About sex and dating..I think sex is something that should be played around with. First, you shouldn't ever have sex with someone if you don't love them and they don't love you in return, a good wholesome love, one that'll last the rest of your life. Second, sex should never be used as a temptation...don't tempt others with your body or with sex in general. Sex before marriage is a sin in the bible and I believe so as well. Not only is it a sin, it can get a person, a couple, into so much trouble...and teenagers aren't ready for it! I just thought I'd put my word in....seeya later!