So you're hanging poolside in your cutest bikini and that hottie lifeguard is so scoping you out He's tall, tan and has abs that youVe only seen on the likes of Taylor Lautner. Fab, right? Well, there's one slight issue: He's going to be a senior this year and you're only a lowly freshman. So, should ya go for him? It depends, darling.

OLDER BOY BONUS:

HE'S. JUST. SO. COOL.

Move over, geeky freshmen! This guy hangs with a more exciting crew ? and just oozes awesomeness. Missy P., who dated a 16-year-old when she was 14, loved the excitement of rolling out with her BF. "He and his friends are so much fun, and something was always going on," she says. "I was never bored."

DEAL BREAKER: Your guy knows how to have a good time? Great... unless his idea of fun includes stuff like breaking curfew, doing drugs or drinking. Because then your best bet is sticking to responsible guys your own age.

OLDER BOY BONUS:

HE HAS HIS LICENSE

No more begging Mom to drive ya to the mall ? your boy says he'll pick ya up at 8 and does it in his very own sweet ride. Annie T., 15, loves being taken out by her 17-year-old BF. "I get so excited every time he pulls into our driveway," she says. "And I feel like a princess when he makes a big deal about opening the car door for me."

DEAL BREAKER: Not like you need to reminded, but a car can be as dangerous as a gun if your guy's not careful. Speeding, texting while driving and drinking and driving are huge warning signs that you should hitch a ride with someone else- and ditch this dude.

OLDER BOY BONUS:

HE'S DATED BEFORE

it comes to chicas, chances are this ain't his first time at the rodeo. Older guys are typically more confident and have no qualms about asking ya out. Taylor B., a sophomore, was shocked by the initial boldness of her senior BF. "I was so used to shy guys, but he came right up and said he wanted to take me out," she says. "It was so flattering." Plus, an older dude has likely had GFs in the past and knows what it takes to make a relationship work-and what it takes to make ya happy (like sending you the sweetest texts). Swoon!

DEAL BREAKER: Not to say all of 'em are total horndogs, but senior sweeties often have more expectations and experience when it comes to intimate stuff. If your date is pressuring you to do something you're not ready for, get up the guts to say goodbye.

OLDER BOY BONUS:

HE'S MYSTERIOUS

Maybe he's the soulful songwriter strumming his guitar at the bonfire or the pierced cutie serving scoops on the boardwalk Whatever it is, an older crush can carry an air of mystery that's oh-so intriguing. Last summer, Addie Y., 15, fell for a 16-year-old emo fella she met on vacay. "He wasn't like anyone else I knew. He made guys my age seem so boring," she says.

DEAL BREAKER: It's easy to be dazzled by the world your new guy brings you into, but make sure he's not dominating all of your plans. If hanging out in a smoky club watching a random band isn't quite your style, suggest a movie instead. He says no? Then find a cutie who's willing to meet ya halfway.

OLDER BOY BONUS:

HE'S A SMARTIE

A few years can make a boatload of difference in the teenage brain. Algebra? Forget about it! He's already onto advanced physics. A BF who is a grade up can not only teach ya tons, but he can also offer you solid advice on tough decisions that he's already had to face, like finding an internship or which SAT prep course to take in the fall.

DEALBREAKER: Your guy should make you feel enlightened, not intimidated. If he makes you feel stupid or puts ya down for not knowing as much or being too young, tell your smartypants to go bury his nose in a book.