I'm probably on a lonely island here but I don't get why everyone's like "older man hit on younger girl, baaaaad"

The guy was cordial and polite.

"shouldn't throw lines at a grocery store"? Someone please tell me where is the appropriate place to ask someone out on a date. I didn't realize there were rules.

"good for you on putting him on the spot" again someone gave OP a compliment and expressed interest in a nice way. How in anyway is this inappropriate? Because he's old? He's only allowed to date ppl his age?

Would everyone react this way if OP was a guy?

Expecting down votes but imho if the guy was polite and genuine, I don't get what's wrong. If you're not interested, just say no.