There is no hard set rule and you're welcome to date anyone you want. This is just what's generally been acceptable by society. But fvck society if you can get away with it, right?
I agree on ignoring society. I could date a 21-24 year old. Older guys often need to have something really amazing going for them. While I am able to attract younger women, I've not attracted substantially younger in my 30s. That's been a little bit of a disappointment.
One thing Ive noticed once hitting 30 is that cougars are no longer viable. I occasionally always had a cougar (40+) plate in my 20s but it seems like once a guy reaches 30s he loses the young cub fvck buddy viability.
I'll agree with this. Between 18-29, a guy can get sex from cougar in her 30s/40s pretty easily. 18-25 year old guys can play the cougar cub card with both 30s and 40s women. The 26-29 year old guys can't really do it much with 30 somethings anymore, but still with 40 somethings.
At age 30, a guy should be able to attract younger women consistently, even if it is 2-3 years younger.