I think an couple should wait on getting into an level of intimacy until they are way into the relationship. I think the longer one can hold off on the whole sex thing, even until being married or at least. If an couple in fact wants to take the next step into an more physcial level of expressing feelings, then there should be an strong bond of love or an potiental love behind it. I think abistence is the best way to go however because now a days, its very easy to get an STD, deadly or non-deadly. There isn't such a thing as 'safe sex' anymore.

Age Gap: I have mixed feeling about this one because I have friends who dated guys who are much older then they are, and i have friends who dated girls who were much younger then them. I think responsiblity for whatever happens during and afterwards is what would count.

Distance: I think long distance relationships can work out as long as its within an reasonable distance. I dont believe in online things because from my own past, it never worked out. I am not saying it couldn't work out, just that it never did for me. I think if you make an effort to see that person, and he/she makes and effort as well. Long Distance relationships require an lot of time, money, but more importantly, trust and communcation (which is key thing even in any type of relationship as well) I think however, distance would only matter if one lets it.