What does the Bible say about dating? Are Christian teens allowed to date?

We get so many questions about dating, relationships, girlfriends and boyfriends, physical intimacy, and the whole list of awkward sex questions. And that's totally okay by us because we're glad you're looking for biblical answers to these questions rather than trying to figure out the whole dating thing on your own or basing your actions on what the world tells you to do (2 Peter 2:20). If you're looking for answers here, then you're already well on your way to learning how God wants you to handle relationships with the opposite sex.

We've compiled some of the most common dating questions here and will definitely be adding more as we write them, but if you have a more specific question about relationships and situations in your life, please feel free to send us your question through our Q&A page. Be sure to read what we have to say in the articles below though; your question may already have been answered!

The Ones About Dating

What does the Bible say about dating or courting? Am I ready to start dating? When can I start dating? How do I convince my parents to let me date? How young is too young to be in a romantic relationship? What does the Bible say about having a crush?Hugging, Kissing & Making Out: How much is too much?What does the Bible say about flirting?Should I wait for God to bring me a boyfriend/girlfriend?What should I look for in a Christian boyfriend?What should I look for in a Christian girlfriend?Deciding Who to Date: The Deal-BreakerWhy can't I date or marry an unbeliever?What does the Bible say about interracial dating and marriage?Can you give me some Christian relationship advice?How can I know if what I feel is love or just lust?Should a Christian date or marry someone who isn't a virgin?What should I do if I'm crushing on someone who isn't a Christian?Is it OK for a couple to live together before marriage?Should I be looking for a future spouse?How can I stop being boy crazy?What if I fall in love with the wrong person?How can I satisfy sexual desires before marriage?How can I stay sexually pure when my GF / BF wants more?Relationship Revival Are soul mates for real?Why don't boys like me?What are valid reasons for breaking up?

Dating or courting or whatever you want to call it can be a great way to solidify an already super strong friendship if your parents have given their blessing, God is at the center, and you are both ready to step it up. If you want to shoot for a lifelong, God-honoring union with your best friend, then that is when you know it's time to start a romance (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5).

When in doubt, ask God for guidance and be prepared to trust and obey Him. God loves us, and He does not want us to fail in life. But that sometimes means that He will not give us what we want when we want it because He knows the positive or negative results of our truest desires. Sometimes He will say "no" or "not now"; keep that in mind as you seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in your friendships and other relationships.

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." God sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for you at this point in your life.