Statutes governing Tennessees age of consent, associated criminal charges, available defenses, and penalties for conviction. In Tennessee, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 18), even if the sex is consensual.

Can a 16 year old and a 20 year old date in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the age of consent is 18. This is the age at which a person can consent to sex with an adult. If both partners are over 18, any age difference between them is irrelevant.