Key relationship timeline at a glance
Jacob Elordi and Joey King were a public couple for a period in 2021 before parting ways later that year. Below is a concise timeline of when they were broadly reported to be dating and key statements from each person about the relationship.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early June 2021 | First paparazzi sightings together; rumors begin | Public attention and speculation grow after shared outings |
| Mid-June 2021 | US Weekly reports they are a couple | Mainstream confirmation; relationship becomes widely known |
| Early August 2021 | Jacob Elordi and Joey King are spotted together in Los Angeles and on set of The Kissing Booth 3 | Evidence of continued time spent together; tied to movie promotion |
| August 2021 | Joey King confirms they are dating; Jacob Elordi later acknowledges the relationship | Direct statements from both parties validate the relationship publicly |
| Late August 2021 onward | Relationship status unclear; limited joint appearances | Speculation about a breakup begins; neither confirms an official end publicly at the time |
Rumors and first reports (early to mid-June 2021)
In early June 2021, paparazzi captured images of Jacob Elordi and Joey King in Los Angeles, fueling online speculation about a romantic connection. They were seen in proximity at events and on the set of The Kissing Booth 3, where both were working on the third film in Netflix’s romantic comedy franchise. During this period, tabloid reports began to suggest the two were more than friends. Social media commentary amplified these rumors, but neither individual addressed the speculation directly in the moment.
Confirmation by media and statements (June–August 2021)
On June 14, 2021, US Weekly reported that Jacob Elordi and Joey King were dating, citing an anonymous source close to the pair. This report marked the first mainstream confirmation that the two were in a relationship. Following the publication, both were frequently photographed together in casual and semi-formal settings, including dinners, hikes, and promotional events for The Kissing Booth 3. In August 2021, Joey King confirmed the relationship in an interview, openly stating she was seeing Jacob Elordi. Jacob Elordi also later acknowledged the romance, confirming they were a couple in casual conversations and on social media.
Notable aspects of their dynamic at the time
- Both were actively promoting The Kissing Booth 3, which created regular opportunities for joint appearances.
- They maintained a relatively private approach compared to highly curated celebrity social media narratives.
- Public reactions were generally positive, with many fans expressing support for the pairing.
Public appearances and on-set visibility
Throughout June and July 2021, Jacob Elordi and Joey King were seen together on multiple occasions in Los Angeles, including outings near their homes and at local spots. Their most visible joint work came from the production of The Kissing Booth 3, which wrapped filming in mid-2021. On set, they were photographed filming scenes and interacting casually between takes. These appearances contributed to the perception that the relationship was active and ongoing during mid to late summer 2021. After the film’s release in August 2021, their shared promotional commitments decreased, and sightings became less frequent.
How each person addressed the relationship
Joey King was the first to publicly confirm the relationship in a clear statement to the press in August 2021. She described the romance as genuine while emphasizing that she preferred to keep parts of her personal life out of the spotlight. Jacob Elordi, known for being guarded about his relationships, later acknowledged the connection in casual remarks, confirming that he and Joey King were dating. Neither used major press interviews or social media platforms to deliver formal declarations, which aligned with their preference for a low-key approach to public relationships.
Timeline of when they dated and how long it lasted
Based on available reports and statements, Jacob Elordi and Joey King were broadly recognized as a couple from mid-June 2021 through August 2021. Paparazzi sightings and media coverage spanned roughly two and a half months, with the most intensive period occurring in June and July 2021. After August 2021, joint appearances became scarce, and neither partner elaborated extensively on the status of the relationship in detail. This suggests the romantic involvement either transitioned to a private phase or concluded, though an explicit public breakup was never announced by either individual.
What they have said since
In the months following August 2021, both Jacob Elordi and Joey King have largely avoided discussing the status of their relationship in detail during interviews. Joey King has reiterated a preference for privacy regarding her romantic life, while Jacob Elordi has continued to speak about relationships in general terms without directly referencing this specific partnership. There have been no joint appearances or coordinated statements to indicate they remain a couple, and speculation about a breakup has been tempered by the absence of confirmation from either party.
Speculation, fan reactions, and cultural context
Fan response to the relationship was largely positive, with many appreciating the on-screen chemistry they displayed in The Kissing Booth 3. Online communities analyzed photos, timelines, and statements in an effort to confirm the relationship before it was officially acknowledged. The pairing gained enough attention to warrant dedicated fan edits, social media threads, and commentary across entertainment forums. This level of interest is common when two recognizable actors with sizable followings are seen spending time together, particularly while promoting a shared project in a high-profile franchise.
Facts vs. rumors: credibility assessment
Unlike unverified rumors, the relationship between Jacob Elordi and Joey King was corroborated by multiple outlets and direct comments from the individuals involved. US Weekly’s report in June 2021 provided the first mainstream confirmation, while subsequent sightings and statements aligned consistently with that reporting. Because both parties eventually acknowledged the connection, the information is considered reliable and not speculative. Below is a summary of key attributes for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship status during 2021 | Reported and confirmed as dating | Media reports and personal statements |
| First public report | June 14, 2021 | US Weekly |
| Mutual confirmation | August 2021 | Joey King and Jacob Elordi statements |
| Primary context | Overlap during The Kissing Booth 3 production | Production timeline and promotional activity |
| Public duration | Approximately mid-June to August 2021 | Media sightings and coverage |
Summary and clarification
Jacob Elordi and Joey King dated briefly in 2021, with the relationship first becoming public in mid-June and broadly acknowledged by both parties by August. The timeline aligns with promotional activity for The Kissing Booth 3, where they worked together. While the romantic involvement was confirmed during that period, there has been no public update indicating they remain a couple. For readers seeking clarity on when they dated, the consensus points to a short but verified relationship in the summer of 2021.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Jacob Elordi and Joey King first start dating? They were first widely reported as a couple in mid-June 2021, with sightings and media confirmations appearing at that time.
- Did they ever confirm the relationship publicly? Yes, both Joey King and Jacob Elordi acknowledged the relationship in statements and interviews in August 2021.
- How long did they date? Public coverage and sightings indicate the relationship lasted approximately mid-June to August 2021, though the exact private timeline may vary.
- Have they commented on staying friends after dating? Neither has provided detailed public commentary on maintaining a friendship post-relationship, though both have emphasized valuing privacy.
- Was The Kissing Booth 3 a factor? Yes, overlapping schedules for the film’s production and promotion created opportunities for their collaboration and visibility as a pair.