Age is just a number. The conservative society dictates who you'll date or if it Shames you for dating many years younger than you then that society is doomed to fail.
One example is how society generally accepts when a middle aged woman dates a young guy but when an older guy dates a young girl who is above 18, it's often seen as a inappropriate. Its because woman are still seen as not strong enough in society to be independent. A young 18 year old male is seen as more independent. Pretty sad.
Its fine to date anyone as long as they're above 18 years of age or above age of consent.
Perhaps in your country, not in this country. And from what I know of the women here on Mingle, not in their country either.
Most people now a days don't let society dictate their decisions on who they date. Those that have age preferences, it's because they know that in most cases, age does matter. Interests, ideas about life, maturity, etc., vary in different age brackets. Both men and women want to be with someone they can relate with, kind of difficult to do that with someone a 20 or 30 year age difference. Not impossible, but it's rare when it happens.