As of early 2026, Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez have been in a relationship for approximately two years and seven months. While the couple officially confirmed their romance to the public in December 2023, Gomez later revealed that they had already been dating privately for six months prior, placing the start of their relationship in June 2023.
The transition from long-time professional collaborators to romantic partners has become one of the most discussed stories in the entertainment industry. Since making their debut as a couple, they have maintained a highly visible presence, supporting each other’s careers in music, film, and the culinary arts. Understanding the full timeline of their relationship requires looking back at their years of friendship and the specific milestones that defined their journey from the studio to the red carpet.
The Timeline: From Professional Collaboration to Romance
The relationship between Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (born Benjamin Levin) did not begin overnight. It is rooted in a professional foundation that spans several years. To understand how long they have been together, one must differentiate between their years as colleagues and their years as a romantic couple.
The Foundation of Friendship (2015–2022)
Before the romantic sparks flew, Blanco and Gomez were frequent collaborators in the music industry. Blanco, a powerhouse producer known for his work with artists like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry, first worked with Gomez as far back as 2015 on her album Revival. He contributed to the production of tracks like "Same Old Love" and "Kill Em with Kindness."
In 2019, the pair collaborated more directly on the hit single "I Can't Get Enough," which also featured J Balvin and Tainy. The music video famously featured Blanco dressed in a giant teddy bear suit, dancing alongside Gomez. At the time, their relationship was strictly professional and platonic, with both artists expressing mutual respect for each other’s creative talents in various interviews.
The Shift to Romance (June 2023)
While the world was unaware of their changing dynamic, the summer of 2023 marked the actual beginning of their romantic relationship. In late 2023, after fans began speculating about their closeness, Gomez confirmed the timeline herself. By responding to fan comments on social media, she clarified that as of early December 2023, she and Blanco had already been dating for six months. This retroactively established June 2023 as the "anniversary" month for the couple.
During these initial six months, the couple managed to keep their relationship out of the tabloid headlines, a rare feat for a star of Gomez’s magnitude. This period of privacy allowed them to build a strong foundation before facing the inevitable public scrutiny that follows a high-profile celebrity pairing.
The Public Confirmation and "Soft Launch"
The transition from a private relationship to a public one occurred in stages, culminating in a flurry of activity in December 2023. This "soft launch" approach is common among modern celebrities, but Gomez was uncharacteristically direct once she decided to share the news.
Social Media Clues
In the weeks leading up to the official confirmation, eagle-eyed fans noticed subtle hints on Instagram. Gomez liked several posts about Blanco, and he reciprocated by sharing photos of her on his stories. The most significant clue was a photo Gomez posted of a "B" ring on her finger, which many correctly interpreted as a tribute to Benjamin Levin.
The December 2023 Announcement
On December 7, 2023, Gomez broke the internet by confirming the relationship in the comments section of a fan account. She didn't just confirm the news; she defended it. Responding to various comments, she described Blanco as "the best thing that’s ever happened" to her and noted that he treats her "better than any human being on this planet."
This directness was seen as a major shift for Gomez, who had previously been more guarded about her dating life following her highly publicized past relationships. By explicitly stating they had been together for six months, she took control of the narrative and set the record straight on the duration of their bond.
Key Milestones and Public Appearances
Since going public, the couple has been seen at numerous high-profile events, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's most stable pairs. Their public appearances often showcase a blend of humor, mutual support, and genuine affection.
Award Season 2024
The beginning of 2024 saw the couple attending various prestigious events together. At the 81st Golden Globe Awards, though they did not walk the red carpet together, Gomez shared a photo of them kissing backstage, which quickly went viral. This was followed by the Emmy Awards, where their chemistry was on full display.
Courtside Appearances
Like many celebrity couples, Gomez and Blanco have become staples at NBA games, particularly Los Angeles Lakers games. These sightings provided the public with candid looks at their relationship, often showing them laughing and engaged in conversation, reinforcing the idea that their romantic bond is built on a deep-seated friendship.
Supporting Professional Ventures
A significant aspect of their relationship is their vocal support for each other’s work. When Blanco released his cookbook, Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends, in 2024, Gomez was one of his most active promoters. Conversely, Blanco has been a frequent presence at events for Rare Beauty, Gomez’s cosmetics empire, and has supported her acting work on the hit series Only Murders in the Building.
Relationship History and Milestone Summary
To visualize the progression of their time together, the following table outlines the major phases of the Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco relationship.
| Period | Relationship Status | Key Events/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 – 2019 | Professional Collaborators | Produced "Same Old Love"; released "I Can't Get Enough." |
| June 2023 | Beginning of Romance | Relationship starts privately; kept out of the public eye. |
| Dec 2023 | Public Confirmation | Gomez confirms they have been dating for six months on Instagram. |
| Jan – Feb 2024 | Award Season Debut | Backstage at Golden Globes; public displays of affection at the Emmys. |
| Mid-2024 | Collaborative Projects | Blanco supports Gomez’s music/acting; Gomez promotes Blanco’s cookbook. |
| 2025 | Established Long-term Couple | Two-year anniversary marked; frequent public sightings. |
| Early 2026 | Present Day | Approximately 2.5+ years of dating; considered a stable Hollywood pair. |
Why This Relationship Is Different for Selena Gomez
Fans and media analysts have noted that Gomez’s relationship with Benny Blanco seems markedly different from her previous high-profile romances. Several factors contribute to why this partnership has lasted and why the "how long" question is so frequently asked.
A Foundation in Friendship
Unlike many celebrity "whirlwind" romances, Gomez and Blanco knew each other for nearly a decade before they started dating. This pre-existing comfort level likely contributed to the longevity and stability of the relationship. They moved past the "getting to know you" phase years ago, allowing them to focus on emotional intimacy and support.
Maturity and Life Stages
Both Gomez and Blanco are in their 30s, a decade often associated with seeking stability over drama. Gomez has been vocal about her journey with mental health and her desire for a partner who provides peace rather than turmoil. In her public comments, she has frequently highlighted how Blanco makes her feel safe and valued, which is a departure from the "on-again, off-again" narratives that defined her 20s.
Shared Creative Passions
The fact that both are highly successful in the same industry provides a level of mutual understanding. Blanco understands the pressures of the music industry and the demands of a hectic touring and filming schedule. This shared professional language allows them to support each other’s ambitions without the friction that can sometimes occur when one partner is significantly more famous or involved in a different field.
Public Reception and Selena’s Response to Critics
Despite their clear happiness, the relationship initially faced some criticism from sections of the internet. Some fans were skeptical of Blanco, citing his past comments or simply comparing him to Gomez’s previous partners.
Gomez’s response to this criticism was a defining moment in the relationship’s history. Instead of ignoring the comments, she actively engaged with her audience to defend Blanco. She made it clear that her happiness was her priority and that she would not tolerate negativity toward someone who treated her with such kindness. This "protective" stance from Gomez signaled that the relationship was serious and that she was fully committed to its success, regardless of public opinion.
The Role of Benny Blanco in Gomez's Personal Growth
In 2024 and 2025, Gomez often spoke in interviews about the positive impact her personal life has had on her professional output. Many observers credit the stability of her relationship with Blanco as a factor in her continued success and apparent well-being. Blanco, known for his eccentric and joyful personality, seems to complement Gomez’s more reserved nature, creating a balanced dynamic that fans have come to admire.
Blanco has also been a guest on various culinary segments with Gomez, showcasing their shared love for food—a passion that culminated in Blanco's cookbook and Gomez's own cooking shows. This shared hobby has given the public a glimpse into their domestic life, which appears to be grounded in simple pleasures like cooking and spending time with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco start dating?
They officially started dating in June 2023. Although they did not announce it until December of that year, Selena Gomez confirmed the six-month timeline herself in social media comments.
How did Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez meet?
They first met as professional collaborators in the music industry. Benny Blanco produced several of Selena's songs starting in 2015, and they worked together closely on the 2019 song "I Can't Get Enough."
Are Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco still together in 2026?
Yes, as of early 2026, the couple remains together and is frequently seen supporting each other at public events and on social media. They have been together for over two and a half years.
What has Selena Gomez said about Benny Blanco?
Selena has described Benny as her "best friend" and "the best thing that’s ever happened" to her. She has frequently praised him for his kindness, his talent, and the way he treats her with respect and love.
Do they have any songs together?
Yes, Benny Blanco has produced several of Selena Gomez's tracks, including "Same Old Love," "Kill Em with Kindness," and "Single Soon." They also both performed on the track "I Can't Get Enough" alongside J Balvin and Tainy.
Next Steps for Fans and Followers
For those looking to keep up with the couple’s journey, following their official social media accounts remains the best way to see authentic updates. Unlike many celebrities who rely solely on paparazzi shots, both Gomez and Blanco frequently share candid, personal moments from their lives together.
If you are interested in the creative side of their partnership, revisiting the music they have produced together offers insight into their long-standing professional chemistry. Additionally, Benny Blanco’s cookbook, Open Wide, features several nods to the lifestyle and meals they share, providing a unique perspective on their relationship through the lens of culinary arts.
As they approach the three-year mark in mid-2026, the focus for many fans has shifted from "how long" they have been together to what the future holds for this resilient and happy pair. Whether through more musical collaborations or further public milestones, Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez continue to demonstrate that a relationship built on a foundation of long-term friendship and mutual respect can thrive under the Hollywood spotlight.
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Akira Tanaka
International Academic Trends Correspondent