Well I haven't really dated that much.....since I was 16 anyway and back then dating someone older could have caused trouble......actually I did....but that's another story.
IMHO it's the connection that is important. When I was growing up my mom usually dated younger guys...sometimes closer to my age than to hers. It made me uncomfortable back then, but now it just seems important to make sure you are at a similar place....in life, in philosophy, in having fun. Do what feels right for you.