Selena Gomez’s heart wants what it wants.
And according to her boyfriend Benny Blanco, whom she’s been dating since 2023, that’s exactly why the Only Murders In the Building star made the first move.
“She asked me out,” the music producer revealed to Kai Cenat during a Nov. 19 live stream. “We were just talking, and then she was like, ‘Do you wanna get dinner?’”
In fact, Benny shared that the Wizards of Waverly Place alum was almost too smooth in her approach.
“We just went and got a drink first, and I didn’t even realize we were on a date,” he explained. “She was like, ‘I would’ve worn something different to this date.’ And I was like, ‘Wait, what? We’re on a date?’ I had no idea!”
When the pair hung out again days later, Benny, 36, realized he may have found something special.
“I was like, ‘Yo, I think she likes me,’” he gushed. “Then I literally just kissed her, and then the rest is history.”
Now more than a year into their relationship, Benny and Selena spend “as many days as [they] can” together, with him adding, “She’s my best friend—actual best friend.”
Likewise, Selena, 32, has made it clear this isn’t that same old love, explaining why she’s shared more of their romance on social media than in her previous relationships.
“I guess this is the safest I’ve ever felt in one,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Nov. 20, “and I see a future with this person. And when you put a little bit out there, people are not as hungry to hunt you down.”
And while the “Hands to Myself” singer has allowed fans to see glimpses of the relationship, she insisted, “there’s so much of my relationship people don’t see, that’s just mine.”
For more on why Selena and Benny’s relationship comes naturally, read on.
Blossoming Romance
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco began dating in July 2023, around Selena's birthday, Benny said on the Howard Stern Show in May 2024.
But they only began to spark romance rumors in late 2023. That December, Selena confirmed the speculation, commenting on a fan page's Instagram post, regarding Benny, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."
She continued, "Why has he been the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's still better than anyone I've ever been with."
The Rare Beauty founder also shared a photo on her Instagram Story of her leaning her head on what looked to be Benny's chest.
With This Ring...
Selena later shared this pic on her Instagram Stories, which shows her wearing a bejeweled "B" ring.
That Kiss
...including a pic of the two kissing.
Quality Time
Also in December 2023, Selena shared several photos of herself hanging out in New York City with Benny and their friends.i
Appreciating Art
Two days after Christmas 2023, Selena shared new pics of the couple at what appeared to be an art exhibit.
PDA Alert
Selena posted this pic of herself and Benny one day before New Year's Eve 2023.
Slam Dunk Date Night
The pair attended the Los Angeles Lakers' home game against the Miami Heat in January 2024.
Can't Keep Their Hands to Themselves
The couple packed on PDA in this February 2024 snapshot.
Happy Birthday Benny
Selena shared a tribute to her boyfriend on his 36th birthday in March 2024.
Birthday Tribute
"Happy birthday baby!" Selena wrote on her Instagram. "Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco."
PDA Alert
Selena included this kissing pic in her birthday tribute to Benny.
Naughty PDA Alert
...and these couple's pics as well.
Open Book
Selena celebrated the release of Benny's Open Wide in April 2024, captioning photos of the pair enjoying a cake shaped like his cookbook, "So proud."
Happy Fourth of July
Selena shared this pic of the two on Independence Day 2024.
Who Said "I Love You" First?
In July 2024, just ahead of their first dating anniversary, the two answered a viral "Who's Most Likely To" TikTok challenge, during which they were asked who was the first to say "I love you" to the other person. The answer? Selena.
Getting Cozy
Selena and Benny cuddled up in cute photos in July 2024 following her 32nd birthday.
Night Adventures
The actress captioned a gallery of summer photos, "Thank you for sharing your life with me today and everyday."
Beach Babes
The musicians soaked up the sun together on lounge chairs.
Dinner Date
Selena shared a silly pic of the two enjoying a bite.
Summer of Love
They're just loving each other like a love song, baby.
Incognito
The two were bundled up with masks on during one of their outings.
Pucker Up!
In another snap, Selena wore Benny's beanie as they pursed their lips for the camera.
Not Single Soon
The "Eastside" artist gave Selena a kiss on the cheek in a sweet summer snap in July 2024.
Good for You
He wrapped his arms around her in another adorable Instagram pic.
She Said Yes!
"Forever begins now," Selena wrote in December 2024, while revealing their engagement. Benny quipped in the comments, "hey wait… that’s my wife."
Golden Couple
The couple enjoyed a date night at the 2025 Golden Globes.
Red Carpet Debut
Benny and Selena made their first joint red carpet appearance at the 2025 Emmys.
Tying the Knot
The pair got married in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Sept. 27, 2025, with guests including Taylor Swift, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Paul Rudd.