Is it really that common outside of wealthy circles? I've never dated a guy more than 3 years older than me and when I was in college all of my female friends dated guys within 1-2 years of their age (my college bf was actually 6 months younger than me). I see a lot of RP guys whining about how girls prefer older guys. I know I'm only one data point but I definitely don't.

Now that I'm in my mid to late twenties I do see some of my friends dating older guys, but it's usually like a ~5 year age difference, not 25 year olds dating 40 year olds.

For example my 28 year old friend typically dates guys in their early thirties, however she's more than happy to hook up with a hot guy in his early twenties suggesting she's sexually attracted to those men.

The real reason I think my friends date a bit older is because we know attractive guys our age are less likely to commit. An attractive 26 year is is less likely to be a good bf to me than an attractive 31 year old. I find the 26 year old more attractive objectively but I want to feel safe in the relationship so I go for the older guy.

The fact that he's older is in no way a plus, it's just that I'm realistic about my options. IME most attractive guys that are single in their mid twenties are single by choice: they could easily find a relationship but would rather hook up with a bunch of women. Attractive commitment minded guys are taken off the market pretty young, like college or very shortly after. I feel like a lot of younger guys that complain about how women only date older just aren't very attractive. I don't see a common trend of college aged girls dating guys 10 years older. Just my opinion...