This is normal for junior high/ middle school. I remember the days in junior high when my best friend said she liked some boy(s) and I was like is he smart?
Then, I realized who it was and said, don't waste your time. He's all looks and no brain. He will be with another girl next week. I don't think I talked about boys until 18! Talk about late bloomer.

The experience are the same because our hormones kick in about early teens. And if you are a late bloomer, it would be late teens. It has always been this way.

My sons are 14 and 17 and have never really seemed to express interest in the opposite sex, as far as I can tell. Or, as far as I can tell, in dating their own gender either. Is that typical? I find it a little surprising but whatever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people keep answering based on their experience from 30-40 years ago? It’s later now.

Because it hasn't changed since then.

Hormones haven’t changed, but thoughts and activity most certainly have. They have different lingo, different norms and different expectations. Saying dating hasn’t changed for teens is like saying dating for adults hasn’t changed in 30 years.

My 8th grader has a “girlfriend” whom he started “dating” in 7th grade. They have never been on a date and never see each other outside of school.

My 7th grade DD isn't into boys, but hasn't hit puberty yet. I'm befuddled. I remember having one crush after another starting in 4th grade and "went" with a boy in 6th grade, but that didn't mean much beyond passing notes and hanging between classes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do people keep answering based on their experience from 30-40 years ago? It’s later now.

Because it hasn't changed since then.

It seems later and all the data on sex is that that’s happening later too.