text: how old do you need to be before "going to the next step" when dating? how long after dating would you wait?   realistically it's up to you. luckily the girls get the say in the relationship and kind of give the 'go' signal whenever they are ready. whether it's making out, sex, whatever, you need to make sure that you're ready and emotionally mature enough to deal with the consequences. also, sex is like pandora's box. once you start having it, you won't be stopping, in this relationship or otherwise. do what's best for you. be safe! ;)