It's always exciting when our favorite TV costars start dating [1] each other, and Zendaya [2] and Jacob Elordi [3]'s romance was no different. While their Euphoria [4] characters, Rue Bennett and Nate Jacobs, aren't exactly close (to say the least), the real-life actors grew closer while filming the first season of the HBO series. After vacationing together in August 2019, it didn't take long for dating rumors to start swirling. Though the two claimed they were just friends, their PDA-filled outings [5] around NYC said otherwise. While it seems like their relationship may already be over — Jacob has recently been linked to model Kaia Gerber [6] — we'll always have their cute photos [7] to reminisce over. Read ahead for the full timeline of their short-lived romance.
— Additional reporting by Kelsie Gibson
October 2019: Zendaya and Jacob Have a Movie Date
A few months after their Greece getaway, the costars reportedly went on a movie date [13] at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in LA. According to a source for Us Weekly, the two weren't accompanied by any other friends [14] and looked rather cozy together. "Jacob looked like he was trying to be incognito, wearing a hat that covered his face," the onlooker added.
November 2019: Zendaya and Jacob Spend Thanksgiving in Australia
A month after their supposed movie date, Zendaya reportedly spent Thanksgiving with Jacob [15] and his family in Australia. The actors both attended GQ Australia's Men of the Year Awards — where Zendaya accepted the woman of the year honor [16] and Jacob was named TV actor of the year — but they sadly didn't pose together for any pics on the red carpet. However, the two were photographed riding the train together [17] and even walking the streets of Sydney with Jacob's parents [18].
December 2019: Jacob Dismisses Dating Rumors
Toward the end of 2019, Jacob attempted to put dating rumors to rest [19] during an interview with GQ Australia, claiming he thought of Zendaya as a sister [20]. "Zendaya [21] is an amazing creative, you know? She's super dope to work with," he said. "She's an incredible artist and a very caring person to all of us. But we're all really close. There is not one weak link in that show. We've spent so much time together and everyone is just so cool to work with." Sure, Jan.
January 2020: Zendaya Refers to Jacob as Her "Best Friend"
Soon after the new year, Zendaya [22] and Jacob attended the American Australian Association Arts Awards in NYC, where they were photographed chatting closely [23] together. Zendaya even presented her costar with the Rising Star honor [24], referring to him as her "best friend" in her speech. She also gushed about how much she loved working with Jacob [25]. "Thank you for being so wonderful at what you do, and for taking it so seriously, and being so wonderful to work with," she said. "Contrary to your character, you are a wonderful, wonderful human being." Later that night, they were spotted hitting up Soho House [26].
February 2020: Zendaya and Jacob Are Spotted Kissing in NYC
Dating rumors escalated in February when the two stars were photographed once again on the streets of NYC — except this time, they appeared to share a romantic smooch [27]. On Feb. 3, Zendaya [28] and Jacob explored the Strand Bookstore, picked up some green juice, and generally looked adorable together [29]. "They were showing each other things on their phones and laughing," an eyewitness told E! News. "She seemed to be really enjoy being with him. At one point he reached over and kissed her on the forehead. She had a big smile on her face and was very comfortable with them."
Two days later, the pair were caught attending the Broadway play Dear Evan Hansen together. According to a source for People, Zendaya and Jacob were cuddling throughout the show [30]. "They were exchanging whispers and glances for sure," the source said. "They seemed very relaxed around each other and had an ease about them. It looked very romantic." They even visited the Blue Room after the show to take photos with the cast. "She did not intro him as her boyfriend, but it was very obvious that they were together," another eyewitness told People. "They were trying not to hold hands and stuff and give away that they were a couple since there were a lots of people around."
Finally, on Feb. 6, both actors attended the Solar Dream Launch Event by Fendi [31] in NYC. The two declined to pose for a photo together, but they were both photographed at the event separately. A source later told E! News that the couple had been together for months [32], starting out as close friends and becoming romantic after Euphoria [33] ended. "They have been inseparable since last summer and have been making time for each other in between projects," the source said. "Jacob has met Zendaya [34]'s family, and everyone adores him. They have a lot of fun together and have a lot in common."
March 2020: Zendaya and Jacob Have a Playful Date at a Flea Market
On March 8, the two were spotted hanging out at a flea market [35] in LA. Zendaya [36]'s mom, Claire Stoermer, even tagged along as they shopped around and took playful photos on their cameras.
September 2020: Zendaya and Jacob's Romance Seemingly Fizzles Out
Although it's unclear when the couple split, Jacob was spotted getting cozy with Kaia Gerber [37] in early September. The two were photographed holding hands during various outings around NYC. A source told E! News that "[Jacob] definitely has interest in dating Kaia," though it seems like the two haven't put a label [38] on their relationship yet.