Is there a way to offset (align & distribute) 2 or more items a certain distance apart? As in, say I have 5 objects, and I'd like to distribute them exactly 100px apart (100 px white space between the objects). Is there a precise and easy way to do this without trying to set up grid lines and aligning them to that?

When doing graphics designs, I often have a need to precisely space objects but I have not yet found a way to do precise distribution. 

Thanks. 

Your question is very similar to mine. Have you attempted to use the tool under Object called align and distribute? If yes I am assuming it doesn't do what you want. It has distance settings in the tool.

Maybe this? 

Strange, I tried this once and it didn't work. Trying it again, it does, but doesn't have expected behavior. It seems to adjust it based on the center. Is there no way to do it based on the 1st or last selected item?

It sounds like you want Difference instead of Intersect

What does that have to do with spacing objects?

I must have tired when I was responding and had something else on my mind. Sorry.