Ben Affleck has officially returned to the dating world following his highly publicized divorce from Jennifer Lopez, which was finalized in January 2025. The Oscar-winning actor, who has been through multiple high-profile relationships and divorces, is taking a cautious but optimistic approach to finding love again. Despite the emotional toll of his recent separation, sources close to the actor reveal that he remains hopeful about discovering lasting romance while prioritizing his sobriety, career, and co-parenting responsibilities.
The 52-year-old actor’s journey back into dating comes after a tumultuous period that saw his fairy-tale reunion with Lopez end in disappointment. Their relationship, which spanned over two decades with an initial engagement in the early 2000s, a breakup in 2004, and a romantic rekindling in 2021, ultimately concluded when Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024. The couple, who married in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a lavish Georgia celebration, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split.
Now legally single as of February 2025, Affleck is navigating the complex world of modern dating while balancing his professional commitments and personal growth. His approach to romance has evolved significantly, shaped by past experiences and a clearer understanding of what he seeks in a long-term partner. This new chapter represents both a fresh start and a continuation of his ongoing journey toward personal fulfillment and emotional stability.
Current Dating Status and Approach
Ben Affleck (Image via Getty)
Ben Affleck has begun casually dating since his divorce was finalized, though romance isn’t his primary focus at this time. Sources close to the actor indicate that while he’s open to meeting new people, he’s approaching relationships with considerably more caution than in previous years. The actor has reportedly been on a few discreet dates, though none have developed into anything substantial yet.
His dating approach reflects a more mature perspective shaped by past experiences and personal growth. Unlike his previous high-profile relationships, Affleck appears to be seeking something more low-key and genuine. The actor has expressed that he finds the early stages of dating particularly challenging, admitting that he struggles with reading signals and worries about potential embarrassment when approaching someone new.
Despite these challenges, those close to Affleck describe him as genuinely excited about the possibility of meeting someone special. He’s not dating merely for companionship but is actively seeking a meaningful, long-term relationship that could provide the stability he values.
What Ben Affleck Seeks in a Partner
The actor has become notably specific about the qualities he desires in a future partner, reflecting lessons learned from his past relationships. Emotional maturity and groundedness top his list of priorities, as he seeks someone who can provide stability and understanding. His sobriety journey remains paramount, and he hopes to find a partner who not only supports this aspect of his life but ideally shares similar values regarding substance use.
Independence and strength of character are equally important to Affleck. He’s looking for a woman who is strong in her convictions and doesn’t need a relationship to define her identity. This preference likely stems from his experiences with high-maintenance relationships and his desire for a more balanced partnership.
Understanding and supporting his sobriety must come first in any relationship, according to sources. While he would prefer a partner who is also sober, it’s not an absolute requirement. This flexibility suggests a pragmatic approach to dating while maintaining his core values and priorities.
The Matchmaking Efforts and Potential Interests
Ben Affleck (Image via Getty)
The matchmaking efforts highlight the supportive network surrounding Affleck as he navigates this new phase of his life. Barroso’s involvement suggests that those closest to him are invested in his happiness and believe he deserves another chance at love.
Rumors have also circulated about Affleck having a secret crush on Angelina Jolie, whom he reportedly admires for her intelligence and beauty. However, sources suggest he’s hesitant to pursue another high-profile relationship due to the intense media scrutiny and pressure such pairings typically attract. There have also been unsubstantiated reports linking him to Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney, though neither party has addressed these claims.
Balancing Dating with Professional and Personal Priorities
While dating again, Affleck maintains a strong focus on his professional commitments and family responsibilities. He spends considerable time at his office when not filming and remains deeply involved in his children’s lives. His three children with Jennifer Garner – Violet (19), Seraphina (16), and Samuel (12) – continue to be a central priority, with sources noting his particularly close relationship with his youngest son.
His upcoming projects include The Accountant 2, the sequel to his 2016 action-thriller, and RIP, a Netflix action film he described as combining elements of Heat, Narc, and Training Day. This professional focus provides stability and purpose while he navigates his personal life.
The actor’s ability to maintain strong co-parenting relationships, particularly with Jennifer Garner, demonstrates his commitment to family stability. Their amicable relationship has been praised as an example of successful post-divorce cooperation, with both prioritizing their children’s well-being above personal differences.
Learning from Past Relationships
Ben Affleck (Image via Getty)
Affleck’s current approach to dating reflects significant personal growth and lessons learned from his previous marriages. He has publicly acknowledged that his 2015 divorce from Jennifer Garner after ten years of marriage remains his greatest regret. This admission demonstrates his capacity for self-reflection and his commitment to making better choices moving forward.
The rapid progression and subsequent failure of his relationship with Jennifer Lopez appear to have reinforced the importance of taking things slowly. Their whirlwind romance, which moved from rekindling to marriage within a relatively short timeframe, ultimately proved unsustainable. This experience likely contributes to his more cautious current approach.
Sources indicate that Affleck seems to thrive on the stability of being in a relationship, suggesting that partnership plays a crucial role in his well-being. However, he’s now more selective about the type of relationship he pursues, prioritizing compatibility and shared values over passion alone.
Looking Forward: Hope and Realistic Expectations
Despite the challenges and disappointments of his recent past, Ben Affleck remains optimistic about finding lasting love. Sources consistently describe him as hopeful and genuinely interested in building a serious relationship rather than casual dating for entertainment. This optimism, tempered by experience and self-awareness, suggests a mature approach to romance.
His willingness to be vulnerable about his dating struggles, including his admission that flirting and early relationship navigation remain challenging, demonstrates authenticity that could serve him well in future relationships. Rather than projecting false confidence, he’s embracing his genuine personality and limitations.
The actor’s focus on personal growth, professional success, and family stability provides a solid foundation for future romantic endeavors. As he continues to navigate this new chapter, his measured approach and clear understanding of his needs and boundaries suggest better prospects for long-term relationship success than his previous attempts at love.
Music producer Benny Blanco has captured hearts worldwide, not just through his chart-topping hits but through his enchanting love story with pop sensation Selena Gomez. The 37-year-old hitmaker, who has worked behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in music, stepped into the spotlight when he confirmed his relationship with Gomez in December 2023, sending fans into a frenzy.
What makes their relationship particularly fascinating is how it blossomed from a professional friendship spanning nearly a decade into a deep, committed partnership. Blanco, whose real name is Benjamin Joseph Levin, has been relatively private about his dating life throughout his career, making his openness about his relationship with Gomez all the more significant.
The couple’s journey from collaborators to soulmates represents a modern fairytale in the entertainment industry, where genuine connections often seem rare. Their story resonates with fans who have watched both artists navigate previous relationships and personal challenges in the public eye. Blanco’s transformation from a behind-the-scenes producer to a devoted partner has showcased a different side of the typically reserved artist.
As of June 2025, Blanco and Gomez are not just dating but are engaged and planning their future together, including dreams of starting a family. Their relationship timeline reveals a carefully cultivated romance built on mutual respect, shared creativity, and genuine affection that has won over even the most skeptical fans.
Current Relationship Status: Engaged to Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (Image via Getty)
Benny Blanco is currently engaged to Selena Gomez, with the couple announcing their engagement in December 2024. The music producer proposed to the 32-year-old singer and actress with a stunning marquise diamond engagement ring during an intimate Taco Bell picnic, showcasing his understanding of Gomez’s down-to-earth personality.
The engagement announcement broke the internet when Gomez shared a collection of photos on Instagram showing off her engagement ring, captioning the post “forever begins now.” Blanco’s playful response, “Hey wait… that’s my wife,” garnered nearly a million likes and demonstrated the couple’s fun-loving dynamic.
Their engagement represents the culmination of a relationship that began in June 2023 and became public in December of that year. The couple has been together for approximately two years, during which they’ve collaborated professionally and built a strong personal foundation.
How Their Romance Began: From Professional to Personal
The love story between Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez has roots that stretch back over a decade. Blanco first met Gomez when she was just 16 years old, introduced through her mother for professional purposes when Gomez was signing a record deal. However, they didn’t work together until many years later, with Blanco producing tracks for Gomez’s 2015 album “Revival.”
Their professional relationship continued to evolve, with collaborations on songs like “I Can’t Get Enough” in 2019 and “Single Soon” in 2023. It was during this extended period of working together that their friendship gradually transformed into something deeper.
The couple began dating privately in June 2023, keeping their romance under wraps for several months. Blanco has described their relationship as feeling like destiny, telling InStyle, “They say you’ve probably already met the person that you’re gonna spend the rest of your life with… I never believed that shit until it happened to me.”
Public Confirmation and Fan Reactions
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (Image via Getty)
Gomez officially confirmed their relationship on December 7, 2023, through a series of Instagram interactions that sent waves through social media. She first liked posts on the celebrity news account PopFaction about her dating Blanco, then commented “Facts” to confirm she was in a relationship.
Initially, some fans expressed skepticism about the pairing, but Blanco has since won over the devoted “Selenators” through his consistent displays of affection and respect for Gomez. His romantic gestures, including organizing a prom experience for Gomez since she never attended one as a teenager, have earned him recognition as an “Internet Boyfriend” and even a spot on People’s Sexiest Men Alive list.
Relationship Highlights and Milestones
Throughout their relationship, Blanco and Gomez have shared numerous memorable moments that have endeared them to fans. In March 2025, they released a collaborative album titled “I Said I Love You First,” which chronicles their friendship and romance. The album serves as a musical diary of their relationship journey.
One of the most talked-about gestures was when Blanco organized a prom for Gomez, complete with decorations and photos, since she had never experienced a real prom as a teenager. This thoughtful act exemplified the level of care and attention Blanco brings to their relationship.
The couple has also been open about their future plans, with both expressing desires to start a family. In a June 2025 interview with InStyle, Blanco shared, “I love kids; I love being an uncle. I want to be a dad, though, God willing. I’m just dreaming and praying every day.”
Previous Dating History
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (Image via Getty)
Before his relationship with Gomez, Benny Blanco’s dating history was notably brief and private. His most significant previous relationship was with model and actress Elsie Hewitt, whom he dated from 2019 to 2020. This relationship was much more low-key compared to his current high-profile romance with Gomez.
Blanco has generally kept his personal life out of the spotlight throughout his career, focusing primarily on his music production work with artists like Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber. His relationship with Gomez marks the first time he has been so publicly open about his romantic life.
Future Plans and Wedding Preparations
As of June 2025, Blanco and Gomez are actively planning their wedding, though they haven’t announced a specific date. The couple has already made significant commitments to their future together, including purchasing a $35 million Spanish-style estate in Beverly Hills, California.
Their relationship continues to flourish both personally and professionally, with Blanco expressing his amazement at finding love with someone he’s known for so long. He describes their relationship as his “own little fairytale,” emphasizing how their long friendship provided a strong foundation for their romantic partnership.
The couple’s openness about their relationship, combined with their mutual support for each other’s careers and genuine displays of affection, suggests a partnership built to last. As they prepare for marriage and potentially starting a family, Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez represent a modern love story that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
