As of the most reliable public reporting, Ariana Grande has had several high-profile relationships that are widely considered ex-partners, alongside a few others that remain unclear or short-lived. This relationship explainer lists each verified romantic connection, the timeline, and how each fits the definition of an ex. It focuses on what is documented by credible outlets and avoids speculation. The goal is to answer how many exes Ariana Grande has with context, definitions, and factual context that remains useful over time.
What counts as an “ex” in this overview
In this overview, an ex is a romantic partner widely reported by credible media and confirmed (where possible) by the individuals or their official representatives. Short casual dating, rumored crushes, and engagement speculation that never progressed to a public relationship are not treated as exes here. This standard keeps the count clear and verifiable. We update only if a new relationship becomes public, is widely reported, and either concludes or is explicitly described as romantic by those involved.
Verified exes and major relationships
The following table summarizes the partners most often described as Ariana Grande’s exes in authoritative coverage. Each entry includes the period of the relationship and why it is considered an ex. Dates reflect when the relationship was publicly acknowledged or clearly active; many were later confirmed by interviews, social posts, or reputable outlets.
| Partner | Period together | Status and notes | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jai Brooks | 2013 | Short-term relationship; widely reported as an early ex | Celebrity news outlets |
| Pete Davidson | 2018 (engaged, married briefly in 2018, separated later that year) | Engaged in 2018; married briefly; amicably separated and described as an ex in subsequent interviews | Official statements, reputable media |
| Mac Miller | 2016–2018 | Long-term relationship; broke up after his death; often cited as a significant past relationship | Interviews, tributes, official statements |
| Drake | 2019–2020 | Reported romantic relationship; both referred to each other consistently in coverage; described as exes post-break | News coverage, on-again/off-again timeline |
| Dalton Gomez | 2020–2021 | Reported relationship; married in May 2021; sources treat Gomez as a past spouse and former partner | Official announcement, reputable outlets |
Short-term and rumored relationships not treated as exes
Ariana Grande’s circle has included rumors or very brief connections that did not develop into acknowledged romantic relationships. Examples often mentioned but not typically classified as exes include:
- Recurring co-star interactions on Nickelodeon that were friendly but not romantic
- Brief sightings or tabloid speculation without confirmation from either party
- High-profile flirtations that never led to a defined relationship
Excluding these keeps the count focused on relationships with enough public confirmation to be meaningful for an evergreen overview.
Public narrative and media framing
Media coverage of Ariana Grande’s relationships often emphasizes her most prominent partnerships, especially those tied to cultural moments. The engagement and quick marriage to Pete Davidson, for example, generated intense coverage, while earlier relationships like Jai Brooks received less long-term attention. Mac Miller’s relationship is discussed widely because of its emotional weight and timing. Drake and Dalton Gomez feature in more recent narratives. Public framing can make some relationships feel more significant than others, but the count here is based on confirmed romantic partnerships rather than media volume.
Common questions about the count
Because timelines overlap and information evolves, people sometimes ask whether certain people should be included. This section clarifies the boundaries of the list.
Should short flings or rumored dates be counted?
No. Short flings or unconfirmed rumors are excluded because they lack the clarity and public confirmation used in this overview. Including them would make the count inconsistent and less useful over time.
What about partners before 2013?
Before 2013, there is no reliable public information about romantic relationships that meet the standard described here. Earlier periods are not included because they are not well documented in verifiable sources.
How does marriage affect the ex count?
Marriage is a legal partnership and, for this overview, is treated as a significant romantic relationship. Dalton Gomez is listed as an ex because they were married; this follows the same standard used for other long-term partners. Engagement or brief romantic involvement without marriage is noted but handled separately when it does not meet the bar for an ex.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many exes does Ariana Grande have, according to this overview?
Based on the verified relationships listed above, Ariana Grande has five exes: Jai Brooks, Pete Davidson, Mac Miller, Drake, and Dalton Gomez.
Are there overlapping relationships or rumors that change the count?
Some rumors and overlapping timelines appear in tabloids but are not reflected here. This overview sticks to relationships with credible sourcing and clear definitions of romantic partnership.
Will this number change in the future?
Yes. If Ariana Grande enters a new confirmed relationship that concludes, or if credible sources clarify the status of a currently ambiguous connection, this overview can be updated to reflect the new information.
Why exclude short-lived or rumored relationships?
Excluding them provides consistency and long-term usefulness. Including every rumor would make the list unstable and harder to interpret over time.
What sources are considered authoritative here?
Authoritative sources include official statements, interviews with reputable outlets, and coverage from established entertainment media that adheres to verification standards. Tabloids without confirmation are not treated as authoritative.