I don’t believe it’s creepy for two consenting adults with a large age gap to date. If a 25 year old woman dates a 50 year old man, I don’t think it’s creepy. It’s none of my business. I don’t judge them.
A man who dates younger women is called “creepy.” A woman who dates younger men is called a cougar. Leonardo DiCaprio was judged harshly for dating a 19 year old woman. Most older women are not judged for dating younger men.
Sometimes it’s hard to find a partner of the same age. For example, if a man divorces at 50, it would be hard to find a 50 year old woman. He would have to date someone younger.
The double standard is that men get judged harshly. Society has to change it’s attitude.
This is a good question and I’m glad you asked. What often gets ignored is that the detail of “two consenting adults” bit. I think it depends.
The ages of 18-21 are so different and full of experience and change. Lots of firsts for many, and going out into the world… I’d say it’s not only creepy, but predatory for someone to date that age range when they are decades older. It’s not the behavior of a mature adult to seek the company of inexperienced adults.
This actually happened to my sister when she was barely 18, groomed by a much older coworker. He was the first guy to pay attention to her. She never had a youth after that. But she did have a kid. Now she’s essentially caring for a teenager and a grandpa.