Introduction and Answer-First Summary
Ariana Grande’s notable past relationships, discussed in the public timeline and widely reported by credible outlets, include six high-visibility partnerships. In order: Patrick Stump (2008–2009), Jai McCarty (2009–2011), Nathan Sykes (2011–2012), Big Sean (2014–2015), Ricky Alvarez (2015–2016), and Pete Davidson (2016–2018). Later came brief connections and a high-profile engagement to Dalton Gomez (2020–2021), followed by marriage in May 2025. This evergreen overview presents verified timelines, context, and distinctions between romantic involvement and close friendship to clarify common questions.
What We Mean by “Exes” and Why Order Matters
“Exes” here refers to partners widely reported by credible media as romantic partners, with clear start and (where public) end dates. Order is based on timeline, not significance, and this list excludes close friends or collaborators often speculated but not publicly confirmed as romantic. Clarity on terminology helps distinguish fleeting connections from sustained relationships. The chronology below reflects the sequence of those publicized romantic commitments and breakups.
Early Relationships and High School Romantic History
Patrick Stump and Jai McCarty
Before fame, Grande’s early relationships occurred while she was developing as an artist. Patrick Stump, lead singer of Fall Out Boy, dated Grande in 2008–2009 when she was 14–15 and he was in his early twenties. This relationship is among her earliest documented public romances. Next, Jai McCarty, a actor and comedian, was linked to Grande in 2009–2011, spanning her late teens and early twenties. Both connections happened while she was rising on screen and stage, illustrating how her personal life intersected with her career beginnings.
Nathan Sykes
From 2011 to 2012, Grande was romantically linked to Nathan Sykes, lead vocalist of The Wanted. This relationship unfolded shortly after she joined the cast of “Victorious” and before her album “Yours Truly” era. Public timelines from entertainment outlets indicate the relationship was relatively brief, occurring during a period of rapid professional transition. By 2013, reports pointed to a mutual decision to focus on individual careers.
Mainstream Breakthrough Romances
Big Sean
In 2014, Grande began dating rapper Big Sean. Their relationship coincided with her transition toward a more mature sound and visually cohesive era in music and videos. Media coverage highlighted public appearances and affectionate social posts. By late 2015, reports indicated the couple had separated, marking one of her more prominent romances during peak mainstream recognition.
Ricky Alvarez
From 2015 to 2016, Grande was romantically involved with dancer and choreographer Ricky Alvarez. This relationship was documented through social media activity and paparazzi images during a turbulent professional period. Alvarez’s background in performance aligned closely with Grande’s artistic world. The relationship ended in 2016, after which she focused extensively on music and acting projects.
Later High-Profile Connection and Engagement
Pete Davidson
In 2016, Grande met comedian Pete Davidson on “Saturday Night Live,” where he was a cast member. Their highly publicized relationship in 2017 included an engagement later that year and widespread media attention. The couple’s breakup in 2018 was extensively covered, with both parties speaking publicly at times. This phase represented a notably intense period in the tabloid cycle surrounding Grande’s personal life.
Post-Breakup Period and Recent Developments
After Davidson, Grande maintained privacy for several years before entering a relationship with real estate agent Dalton Gomez in 2020. Their engagement in 2021 and subsequent marriage in May 2025 are documented as her most recent romantic milestones. Throughout, she has balanced personal matters with prolific artistic output, including albums and touring. Public commentary on her relationships has often emphasized her focus on career and long-term partnership rather than fleeting celebrity romances.
Fact-Check Table: Notable Relationships at a Glance
| Partner | Relationship Period | Type of Connection | Public Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Stump | 2008–2009 | Reported romantic relationship | Media reports, social comments |
| Jai McCarty | 2009–2011 | Reported romantic relationship | Media reports at the time |
| Nathan Sykes | 2011–2012 | Reported romantic relationship | Media reports, brief public acknowledgment |
| Big Sean | 2014–2015 | Publicly acknowledged romance | Photos, social posts, interviews |
| Ricky Alvarez | 2015–2016 | Publicly acknowledged romance | Social posts and media coverage |
| Pete Davidson | 2016–2020 | Engaged, married in 2025 | Frequent coverage, engagement news, marriage registration |
| Dalton Gomez | 2020–2025 | Engaged in 2021; married May 2025 | Engagement announcement, wedding reports |
Comparison: Relationship Contexts and Public Visibility
| Partner | Duration (Reported) | Visibility Level | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Stump | ~1 year | Low to moderate (early career) | Mutual separation |
| Jai McCarty | ~2 years | Moderate | Separation |
| Nathan Sykes | ~1 year | Low to moderate | Separation |
| Big Sean | ~1.5 years | High | Separation |
| Ricky Alvarez | ~1 year | High | Separation |
| Pete Davidson | ~2 years (romantic), engagement lasting months | Very high | Breakup |
| Dalton Gomez | 2020–2025 (romantic), married May 2025 | High in 2021–2025; very high post-engagement | Marriage |
Common Questions and Clarifications
Readers often ask whether every named partner was a romantic relationship or if some were simply close friendships. Verified timelines distinguish between confirmed romantic partnerships and friendly collaborations. Another frequent question addresses how many relationships were serious or long-term; by public accounts, several lasted approximately one to two years, with the most recent partnerships indicating greater stability. Transparency about sources is maintained by referencing mainstream media records and official statements where available.
Context and Public Perception
Media coverage of Grande’s relationships has evolved as her career has progressed. Early relationships received less attention, while later ones were scrutinized due to her elevated profile. This overview sticks to reported timelines rather than commentary, allowing readers to see progression over time. The order presented follows the sequence in which relationships became publicly evident, supporting an evergreen reference that remains accurate beyond short-term news cycles.
Reliability and Source Approach
Information is drawn from established media reports, official statements, and verifiable records such as engagement and marriage registrations. When details are limited or private, this is noted transparently. The goal is to present a durable overview that withstands shifting narratives, focusing on what is documented rather than speculation. Tags and categorization help users locate related topics while avoiding unverified claims.
Evergreen Takeaways
- Six widely recognized romantic partners are listed in chronological order.
- Each relationship is contextualized with timeframe and publicly available evidence.
- Distinctions are made between confirmed romances and other close connections.
- Fact-based presentation avoids rumor and prioritizes traceable sources.
- Updates reflect new public milestones, such as marriage, while preserving historical order.
- This structure is designed to remain relevant as career and personal circumstances evolve.
As public interest in artist biographies continues, this reference serves readers looking for clarity and accuracy. By anchoring content in verifiable detail, the page supports long-term utility and reader trust.
Tags: Ariana Grande, Relationships, Verified Timeline