The 27-year-old pleaded not guilty at Durham Crown Court to three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and another of grooming.
The winger, who has played 12 times for England, was arrested in March.
Johnson, from Castle Eden, County Durham, was released on conditional bail ahead of his trial on 24 August.
The three counts of sexual activity relate to a single night in January at two locations in County Durham, while the grooming offence was said to have happened between December and February.
Born in Sunderland, Johnson began his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Manchester City and then Sunderland for Â£10m in 2012.

Samuel Ward scored a goal either side of half-time to set up the victory, before Henry Weir made sure of the result in the final quarter.
Jackson went close to scoring, shooting after the Dutch had pushed their keeper outfield, but Weir deflected it in.
The result follows Thursday's 1-1 draw against hosts Germany.
Britain face Belgium in their final match on Sunday (10:30 BST).

Kane scored twice in Saturday's 3-0 win over Norwich to reach 11 Premier League goals this season and 27 for 2015, breaking Teddy Sheringham's club record for league goals in a calendar year.
Last term the England man scored 31 times in all competitions during a breakthrough campaign at senior level.
"There is no price. No-one can buy him," Pochettino said.
"He is not for sale. There is not a value because it is impossible to put a price."
With Manchester United losing at Stoke and Crystal Palace drawing with Bournemouth, victory over the Canaries saw Spurs consolidate fourth place in the table.
Pochettino's side are now two points ahead of Palace in fifth and three points clear of sixth-placed United.
Spurs play next at Watford in a 15:00 GMT kick-off on Monday - with midfielder Mousa Dembele a doubt after picking up an ankle knock.
England and Sunderland footballer Adam Johnson has appeared in court to deny charges of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
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Great Britain beat the Netherlands 3-0 in the Ergo Masters Four Nations Invitational in Dusseldorf as Ashley Jackson won his 100th cap.
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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says 22-year-old striker Harry Kane is not for sale at any price.