Can you go to jail for online dating a minor?

Do not be tempted into flirting; this can be construed as an attempt at solicitation, and the solicitation of a minor is a serious crime in California. A conviction can result in a $5,000 fine, up to a year in jail, and registration as a child sex offender.

Is it illegal for a minor to be on Tinder?

In 2014, Tinder told British newspaper The Guardian that seven percent of its user base was under 18 and in 2016, barred any users under 18 from the app. However, according to several reports profiling underage users on the service, they were not kicked off.