can a 20 year old male date a 17 year old female in tennessee

Question

can a 20 year old male date a 17 year old female in tennessee

Answer

I suspect you are asking more that "can I date?"

A 17 year old is a minor, and is still subject to parental control. If the minor's parents have no objection to you dating, then neither does the Tennessee code.

If the minors parents object, then you are at risk of "contributing to the deliquency / neglect of a minor," or even "harboring a runaway" if you go out on a date contrary to parents orders.

If you are referring to sexual relations, remember that the above answer is still true, AND, depending on the exact age difference, you may be subject to prosecution for statutory rape.

General rule, assuming freely given consent:

Minor at least 15 years old, and defendant less than four years older = no crime.