Not a good idea. Being a guy, he's sure expecting it to progress to that at some point. Why doesn't (can't?) he date someone his own age? It's probably because he's immature, and the 17-year-old doesn't recognize this, ie, he's kind of taking advantage of her or manipulating her.
Yes, he could be a virtual saint, attracted to her min, interested only in a romantic relationship, but 99% plus of guys aren't.

umm....sorta...people will probably think thats a bit stupid and immature to have so many years between you....i dont think that but i guarantee lots of other people will....sorry

um....if you really aren't going to be sexually active but chances are you will at some point...my co-worker is 17 dating a 28 year old and has been for quite a while so I suppose it can work but it's usually not a good idea to have that many years between at that age.

I don't think it is necessarily bad. There is a chance that the relationship is a loving and equal one, and the 28 year old truly loves the 17 year old as a person.

HOWEVER, I think it is much more likely that the relationship is not a healthy one, sorry. In my experience, younger girls tend to be drawn to older guys for the wow-factor. They are mature, they can drive, they might have a house, etc etc. They are infatuated, and fool themselves into believing that they are in love. Also, from my experience, the older guy is probably just trying to get into her pants.

I know that the relationship might not be this way. Like I said, it could be a normal, healthy relationship, however, it is much more likely that it is not.

Also, one would wonder WHY a 28 year old man needs to date a 17 year old girl. Can he not find someone his own age? Perhaps he has insecurity issues...

Is that possible?