Be you an older man dating a younger woman. An older woman dating a younger man. Or even a same sex couple, there is nothing wrong with dating whomever you're attracted to, so long as; A- You're both consenting adults. And B-There is a mutual respect. This goes for any relationship and shouldn't even need to be stated.

There's a very open prejudice against intergenerational couples. Even dating more than 5 years outside your age range can easily be vilified.

I understand the arguments of power imbalance, but that could be said of many relationships regardless of age. By that logic should you also only be allowed to date someone within your own financial/ social standing?

The younger is generally labelled as a gold digger. Or that they must have parental issues.

The older is described as creepy, disgusting, etc.

Well I find this socially acceptable discrimination disgusting.

But thats just my unpopular opinion.

Edit* the age of adulthood in the US is 18. Either you're an adult at that age that can make adult decisions or you're not. You can't have it both ways. If 18 is too young, then the age of consent needs to be raised.