18 Signs a Younger Man Likes an Older Woman

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 22, 2024 Fact Checked

You’re one attractive woman, and it looks like we’re not the only ones who’ve noticed! If a younger man has been making himself more present in your life, it could be a sign he likes you. Stereotypically, older men capture the eye of younger women, but who says the table can’t be turned? In this article, we’ll teach you how to tell if a younger man likes an older woman—plus the best tips on how to respond to his advances. Keep reading because this younger man may just be your Mr. Right.

Things You Should Know

A younger man will show off his masculine attributes and skills when flirting with an older woman.
Getting to know you will be a younger man’s main objective if he likes you.
Return a younger man’s affections by flirting and complimenting him.

1

He asks for your opinion.

Download Article

A younger man will want to know how you feel about something. He’ll cherish your opinion and thoughts in any situation and may even ask what you think in a group setting. This is his way of telling you he values your opinions and experiences.
- Have healthy discussions with him and ask for his opinion in return to show that you like him too.

2

He makes eye contact.

Download Article

If a man likes you, he won’t be able to keep his eyes off you. You’re beautiful inside and out, and a younger man will find it hard to resist your gaze. He may hold your gaze longer while talking or make eye contact with you from across the room. Prolonged eye contact could be a sign that he’s interested in you as more than a friend.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Hold his gaze if you like him rather than looking away to let him know you’re interested too.

3

He defers conversations to you.

Download Article

A younger man wants you to feel included in every discussion. If you’re in a group together, he’ll naturally bring you into the conversation or ask you questions. He wants you involved in the conversation and to feel like your voice is being heard.
- Smile sweetly at him when he does this, and ask him questions in a group conversation. This is a simple but polite way to tell him that you want him to be heard too.

4

He asks you questions about yourself.

Download Article

A man likes you if he spends time trying to get to know you. Maybe he asks questions about your job, family, or past experiences. If he wants to know everything about you, he’s most likely interested.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Open up to him if you like him and ask him questions about his own life.

5

He follows through with plans.

Download Article

Unlike other men his age, he’ll show up no matter what. If a younger man likes you, he won’t cancel plans or flake on you. He’ll commit to spending time with you to show that he’s able to manage and commit to a relationship.
- Invite him to hang out with you or visit you at work. Give him the chance to commit to plans so he can impress you.

6

He makes excuses to be physically close to you.

Download Article

Men often show affection through physical touch. If a younger man likes you, he’ll make excuses to touch you (respectfully, of course). Maybe his hand casually brushes up against yours as you both reach for something or your shoulders touch when you sit together. He’ll do whatever he can to be close to you.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Sit closer to him or grab his hand so he knows his advances are working.

7

He defends you in conversation.

Download Article

A younger man wants to protect you in any situation. If he likes you, chances are he’ll stand up for you no matter what anyone says. Perhaps someone throws your name under the bus or disregards your opinion. He’ll step up and defend your name or opinion (even if he doesn’t necessarily agree).^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Return the favor and stand up for him to let him know you’re there to protect him too.

8

He leans in when you talk.

Download Article

If a man likes you, he'll want to be as close to you as possible. Leaning in while you talk is not only a sign of physical intimacy, but it also shows that he’s listening. Notice if he inches closer when you talk, taking another step forward or leaning over in his chair.
- Use a hushed tone when talking with him, so he has to move closer to you. This way, he’ll know you don’t mind being physically close to him.

9

He compliments you.

Download Article

A young man may call an older woman “sexy” or “beautiful” if he likes her. If he find you attractive, he’ll go out of his way to make sure you know it, especially if he knows you’re single. The compliment could be as simple as saying you’re doing a great job at work or as feisty as saying you look hot.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Compliment him in return by saying you like his hair, think he’s a hard worker, or enjoy spending time with him.

10

He pays attention to your interests.

Download Article

Getting to know you will be at the top of a man’s list if he likes you. He’ll go out of his way to ask you questions about your hobbies and favorite activities. He wants to learn everything about you, and he may even offer to do one of these hobbies or activities with you.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Teach him about one of your hobbies or bring him along to do yoga, dance class, or wine tasting. This lets him know that you want him to be a part of your life.

11

He wants to help you around the house.

Download Article

If a younger man likes you, he’ll insist to be your handyman. Have a squeaky door or light bulb that needs changing? A younger man will make sure he’s the one to fix it. He wants to show you he’s responsible, capable, and able to take care of you.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Tell him about what needs fixing (even if you can fix it yourself) to show that you trust him.

12

He calls rather than texting you.

Download Article

A phone call from a younger man may mean he’s interested you. Most young men prefer texting over making phone calls, but he’ll dial your number just to hear your voice. If you’re the only person he talks to on the phone, he probably likes you.
- Show him you’re interested by asking how he wants to communicate or texting him flirtatious messages.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}

13

He sends you morning messages.

Download Article

If a younger man likes you, he’ll wake you with a flirty text. Maybe he texts you “Good morning 😉” or leaves a voicemail expressing that it’s a beautiful day because you’re in it. Either way, he’s thinking about you first thing in the morning and wants you to know.
- Send him a flirtatious text or voicemail back to let him know you think about him day and night too.

14

He introduces you to his friends.

Download Article

A younger man likes you if he wants you to be a part of his inner circle. His friends mean the world to him, and he’ll want to show you off to them as soon as possible. If he genuinely likes you, age will just be a number, and he’ll want the guys to take you in as one of their own.
- Make an effort to get to know his friends by having conversations and hanging out with them. If his friends like you, he’ll like you even more.
- However, while being brought into his social plans is a good sign, make sure he's showing you his commitment in other ways as well (e.g., him making time for and prioritizing you).
- Reader Poll: We asked 663 wikiHow readers and only 14% thought that the strongest sign of a guy liking you is him inviting you into his plans. [Take Poll]

15

He tries to impress you.

Download Article

Demonstrating his strength is a sure sign a younger man likes you. When you’re around, he’ll flex his muscles, roll up his sleeves, or brag about his life achievements. He wants you to think he’s masculine and strong inside and out.
- Flirt with him by complimenting his bravery or muscles—make him feel masculine.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Imad Jbara
  Dating Coach
  
  Expert Interview}

16

He smiles and winks at you in public.

Download Article

A younger man is confident in his feelings if he displays his affection. He’ll smile, laugh, and flirt with you out in the open without caring what other people may think, and this is a tell-tale sign he likes you.
- Keep from shying away from his advances and embrace his confidence if you like him too.

17

He gets nervous when you’re around.

Download Article

Admiration may make a young man shy around you. He thinks you're incredible (rightfully so!) and maybe even out of his league. He might turn down his personality because he’s not sure how to act around you or capture your attention. Watch how he interacts with other people and if he’s a watered-down version of himself around you.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Compliment and engage with him to help him break out of his shell and be more comfortable around you.

18

He wants to meet your friends and family.

Download Article

If a younger man likes you, he’ll prove he’s ready for a serious relationship. Asking to meet your friends and family shows that he’s committed to being with you and wants to be a part of your life. He wants you to be as proud of being with him as he is of being with you.
- Invite him to meet your inner circle and immediate family if you’re ready to take the relationship to the next step.
EXPERT TIP

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan
Dating Coach

Don't fear a relationship progressing just because there's an age gap. All kinds of relationships can flourish, as long as both partners focus on meeting each other's needs.

Join the Discussion...

What's it like dating a younger man?

WikiAxolotlWatcher104

I am a 32F who has been hitting it off with a younger guy (24) at my gym and he finally asked me out and I'm thinking of saying yes, but I'm not sure. I like him, but I've never dated anyone so much younger than me, so I'd love to hear about other people's experiences dating younger men. What were your age ranges and how did it go? Did it turn into a long-term thing? Ideally, this wouldn't be just a fling for me, so I'm curious about the pros and cons of an age gap romance. Is this age gap too big? (He's not a baby, but he's still pretty young.) Would you recommend I say yes or just keep things friendly?