What age do you think is proper to start dating?

Also could you comment below how I could get my parents to let me date. I'm 16 and I like this dude who I think likes me back and he asked me to hangout with him. I had to say I'll tell him ina few days because my parents want me to wait until after college and to focus on my education. I REALLY REALLY like him and whenever I see him in the hallways we exchange glances and I never thought that a guy like him could like me, but my parents are VERY VERY strict on dating and kissing and sex and all that stuff. What advice would you guys give me?