Xsas, I am your age too, and I would have to agree.
However, for every kid, it varies. When I was my sister's age (16), I listened to my parents- I obeyed them to a tee. My sister, on the other hand, is rebellious. She doesn't get good grades and last year she used to smoke and get drunk.
The best advice I would give is to let your kid try things when you think they are at a reasonable age (i.e. the typical 16 for dating age). If they break your trust, tell them so (ground them, some kind of punishment), and then after awhile let them try again. I know that I hate how my parents hold grudges and never let me try something again because of something that happened YEARS before (for example, my dad just recently was trying to argue that we couldnt hide a key in the planter because when I was in elementary school I lost the key...that must have been ten years ago.)
I would definitely say to be open with your relationship and let them have their own views. Support them, like you've always heard.
Parenting must be tough!