Pull up a chair, grab an iced matcha, because we're about to dive into the gloriously confusing love life of two of pop's biggest megastars: The Weeknd and Ariana Grande.
The Short Answer Is Complicated
Did they date? Technically, yes. But before you start screenshotting this for your group chat, let's unpack the mess, because pop relationships are rarely straightforward.
These two first crossed paths back in 2013, when The Weeknd guest-starred on a remix of Ariana's hit "Love Me Harder." On paper, that could just be business. In pop culture, though, a collaboration often means two people are staring at each other in the studio thinking, "You smell nice."
Must Read
"Love Me Harder" Was a Cheeky Foreshadowing
That song title suddenly becomes less of a lyric and more of a prophecy when you know what comes next. Fans at the time pointed out the undeniable chemistry — those two looked at each other like they shared a secret playlist.
Honestly, if you had to guess which song would live forever as a time capsule of pre-relationship tension, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Enter the Real Couple Era
Here's where it gets spicy. The Weeknd was famously dating Bella Hadid — an actual supermodel whose cheekbones likely have their own ZIP code — when he and Ariana were getting cozy.
Why Fans Think The Weeknd Was Secretly Dating Ariana Grande
In 2015, rumors swirled that Ariana and The Weeknd were hooking up behind closed doors. The vibe? Think secret dates, suspiciously vague Instagram stories, and fans losing their collective minds over one background detail in a photo.
Then, in early 2016, Bella spotted Ariana and The Weeknd getting a little too kiss-kiss backstage at the Grammys. Yes, a supermodel walked in on it. If this were a sitcom, the laugh track would be deafening.
Bella Wasn't Having It
Not surprisingly, that Grammys moment effectively ended The Weeknd and Bella's relationship. Nothing says "relationship over" like being caught in a literal hallway of fame with someone else.
Did The Weeknd And Ariana Grande Date | Detroit Chinatown
Bella reportedly felt blindsided — imagine learning about your breakup through a blurry bathroom selfie. Ouch.
But Were They Actually a Couple?
Here's the kicker: after the Bella drama, The Weeknd and Ariana essentially went their separate ways rather than going public. The tension was real, the attraction was undeniable, but they never officially announced a red-carpet relationship status.
So you could say they dated in the way celebrities sometimes "date" — dates happened, feelings existed, and then they bolted before anyone could make it Instagram official.
Ariana Grande y The Weeknd estrenan nuevo sencillo - Últimas Noticias
The Plot Twist Everyone Saw Coming
Ten years later, The Weeknd and Ariana are still deeply intertwined — but musically, not romantically. Their 2023 collab "Die for You (Remix)" completely dominated the charts, which proves one thing: they are better as collaborators than exes.
Sometimes the best pop love story is the one that never fully blossomed into something big. The tension made the music better, and honestly? We're all grateful it did.
Final Verdict
So, did The Weeknd and Ariana Grande date? Absolutely yes — with all the drama, sneaking, and awkward award-show run-ins that implies.
They just never told anyone officially, which in Hollywood is basically the equivalent of a relationship speed-bump. And honestly? Watching them in this era as musical partners feels like the happy ending nobody expected. 💫