Is it bad for a Junior in High School to date a girl in 8th grade?

I know you are all going to say no way thats terrible but let me explain. I met him at a CHURCH camp. We both go to the same church and we both believe in the same things. He is the nicest boy i have ever met. Whenever he walks by me i get butterflies and my stomach starts churning. He is so adorable. I want to start out just as friends and if God wants us to be together then so be it. But if you all think that this might be okay just please let me know. He is not the kind of guy that would date me just for having a gitlfriend or *other* stuff. My friends have diffrent views on this. Some say no thats too old or some say well try it out for a while. I cant stop thinking about him. I daydream about him and i going to the movies or him holding my hand. Please dont be brutal but dont sugar coat your answers. Thank you :)