I think I was 15 or 16, when I had my first boyfriend.

I don't think there should be any set age to start dating, as long as the guy and girl like each other, and they're both in it for the right reasons (having feelings, caring for each other, having a companion, a best friend) then I think starting young is okay.

The right age to get physical.. that's another story lol.

lol depends how serious the dating is. I dont have anything against teenage mothers, bc i know a few and they love thier kids (i love them too), but it definately takes away from time to getting to know yourself...i was no where near as mature as I am now, at 16. I really didnt pay my own bills or anything, worked a weekend job...so when I was older and got pushed into the real world I realized how lucky I was to establish myself before taking a risk and getting preggers at 15-16.

I think the middle school set is usually just in it to throw around the words.  Maybe 13-year-olds can find their soulmates (I might be one, but I didn't date him then), but they have other stuff to work out at that age.  I wasn't technically allowed to date until I was 16 (and it was another year before I actually did!), and I think that's a reasonable limit.  Before then, go out with groups of friends all you want.  At 16, parents don't have to drive you.
I think if I had dated earlier, there's a chance I would have gotten physical earlier.  I remember in 8th grade when I thought sex would be less gross than kissing (!?).  Needless to say, I'm glad neither happened as an 8th grader...

not dating at a young age is healthy because when u r young u diont know what u really want in a relationship until u grow up is when u really know what u want in a realtionship so it is better to wait and enjoy being young because when u grow up things get real and you finaly know what u really want.

There is really no set age. Maturity is different for everyone at whatever age they may be.

I do however think that sex should not be part of a young relationship.

They don't know how to handle the emotional connection or to use protection correctly.

Not that every teen is like that but still...when you serial date/have sex you end up regreting it later.

People should start dating when they no longer question whether it's right or wrong, because then they just go with what they feel. That's for DATING (the puppy love kind, not including sex). As for serious relationships, I think when both parties are mature enough to handle each others thoughts, feelings, and wants is a good time to start.

In your situation, I think you're thinking too much into it. Regardless whether you're experienced in relationships or not, it will always be a learning experience. People are different, and react differently, so all you can do is take what you learned from the past, and apply it towards the future. There's no definition of a "good girlfriend", just be yourself, and if he's the right guy he will appreciate you for that.

A good example: my best friend whom I've known since 2nd grade has only been in two serious relationships. He has been with his current girl (gf #2) for 6 years now, and I'm sure a wedding is not too far in the future.

Hmmm, I hope not younger than 13. But it would be better if it's not until the girl is 18. :) But that's just my opinion. :)

my first crush was when i was literally 4 years old. his name was brandon. he was five. since then i have only taken the smallest sabbaticals away from the world of romance. i have always had someone on my mind. my parents didn't let their daughters date until they were 16, but i snuck around and had my first boy friend at 14. even i knew enough to know that it wasn't serious. i was so naive and unsure of what to do with myself that for the entirety of our four month relationship we kissed three times. and when i say "kiss" i mean pecked. but after that fizzled out i had numerous crushes but none of them developed into anything. my next bf was when i was 18, and that was really so messed up that despite how desperate i was over the guy, he never took it seriously, i would say my next relationship, also when i was 18, was my first serious relationship. after that ended i met my future fiance and the rest is history. but the point of all of this is, that i think one day your little cousin is going to get in a serious relationship and laugh at what she took so seriously before, but all of those pseudo-serious relationships are what gave her the confidence to be in that relationship.

and that is really your problem. i have a feeling you would be a great girl friend, it doesn't take a lot of training, it really just takes a desire to make your SO happy. all it takes is confidence which you lack because you have taken so long to jump in the game. you think you suck at flirting, which is just another sign that you are really just nervous. it is all about having self-confidence, walking into a room and saying, "every guy in here would be lucky to have me." with that attitude flirting will be a breeze, going out on dates will be exciting adventures, and not being afraid to pursue a relationship will come as second nature.

I disagree with most of the ages people are saying.
I don't see anything wrong with casually dating in middle school,
and getting serious in high school.

I just turned 18, in December I will have been with my guy for 4 years, We started dating when I was in 8th grade. We have been very serious the whole time, spend tons of time together, hes my best friend. We just got engaged, hes graduated and Im a senior. We plan on getting married in april 2011.

Relationships just depend on the maturity of the people.

you should let things happen, don't force it.  If your meant to date someone, it will happen in time.  Young relationship are typically not serious so it's nothing to worry about.

Everyones different...it depends on maturity..I think around 15..I started "dating" at 13.

my 1st bf was when i was 13 - but it wasnt anything serious.. but if i had a daughter i wouldnt let her date till she was 18!! hahaha. am i too harsh?