Age differences of 4+ years?

A friend of mine is 18 and she is dating a 14 year old guy. A lot of people are saying really bad things about her and I’m just trying to understand where she’s coming from. Is the 4 year age gap too big? Personally it isn’t necessarily bothering me because it’s not my business but I just want to know what you guys think here on this app. They aren’t having sex or anything like that and it seems like they only hangout with their families around or in public places so I can’t imagine her getting herself into trouble right? We live in Fl where there is a Romeo and Juliet law. My question is what is your stories with large age gaps? Are they horrible? Do they work out? Do you have a hubby/wife you’re with who’s way older/younger? How did your family and friends react?