@Doomstick, and anyone else who is confused, let me try and shed some light on some of the reasons why Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints are advised to wait until age 16 until they date.
The problem of not getting to know as many people. If you are dating when you are, say... 12, then you are more likely to be spending time with whomever you are dating and less time getting to know new people.
I do want to say that I know people mature at different ages, but it has been statistically (scientifically?) proven that kids that wait until age 16 have MUCH lower probability of committing any immoral or sexual acts. Also, the likelihood of a relationship between kids younger than 16 of not ending in sadness and other not-fun emotions. We are also advised to not date someone 'steadily' until we are old enough to marry. By dating lots of different people, you can better learn what characteristics or traits you want in a future spouse.
Of course, you are ultimately the one who chooses when you start to date, and when you start going 'steady', and you should make the decision that is best for you.
Hopefully this helps a little?