Just go on a nice friendly date in casual clothes and it'll all be fine:)

10 years age diff is irrelevant. Being a co-worker is totally relevant. Take him aside ASAP and be honest - no dating co-workers - no exceptions. Then offer to grab a bite to eat with him, strictly platonic, split the check, etc.

who cares if he's ten years older? I can think of tons of guys way older than me that I'd date. at least the guy was nice enough to take an interest in you because by what you said in the last part, it seems no one has in a long time. just go out with him once and you may realize you actually have feelings for him

Dear OP, It's the "due to a misunderstanding" part I'm having trouble with. Not that it could happen, but that you weren't able to immediately set that sh!t straight. Disregarding all the things you cite as negative reasons behind why you do not wish to spend time with this man, the simple fact is you didn't take the time or have presence of mind enough to rectify his misunderstanding the second you realized what had happened. Gotta speak up. Or not, and indirectly commit to situations you have no desire to experience. Whatever. Just sayin'.

10 years difference isn't terribly uncommon. Besides if you don't have a pair big enough to deny him maybe you should give him a chance..... He had a pair big enough to ask

Just go out with him, give it a shot !

Why don't you just go and enjoy yourself on the date? It is time you learned not to care what other people think.

First off, my boyfriend is 20 years older than I am, a decade is no biggie. Second, if you weren't interested in the first place, why did you say yes?

Pfeh, you've been wandering through the desert with no water and you're upset that the only water you can find isn't bottled? Suck it up. Literally.

Juat go out with him!!