Don't be disingenuous. "Age of consent" is shorthand for the legal distinction between being a minor and being an adult in the eyes of the law. Ask a lawyer what this means if you're still confused.
No, "minor" is shorthand for being a minor. Age of consent relates to sexual activity, and is below 18 in many states.
And your ridiculous assertion that a 17-year-old can't legally be held to the same standard as an 18-year-old is pure fabrication.