Sabrina Carpenter, the 26-year-old pop sensation behind hits like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” has become a household name not just for her chart-topping music but also for her highly publicized romantic relationships. As fans eagerly follow her personal life, questions about her current dating status have intensified following her recent split from Irish actor Barry Keoghan in December 2024. The Disney Channel alum has navigated the complexities of fame while maintaining her privacy, often addressing relationship speculation through her music and carefully crafted public statements.
In a recent Rolling Stone cover story, Carpenter offered rare insights into her relationship status, playfully responding to questions about her love life with characteristic humor and honesty. When asked whether she’s currently dating someone new or embracing single life, the “Manchild” singer replied, “Am I doing the single thing right now? I’m doing the 25-year-old thing right now, whatever that means.” This cryptic response has left fans speculating about her true relationship status while highlighting the challenges young celebrities face when their personal lives become public entertainment.
The pop star’s romantic journey has been marked by high-profile relationships with fellow entertainers, including Joshua Bassett, Shawn Mendes, and most recently, Barry Keoghan. Each relationship has garnered significant media attention, with fans analyzing song lyrics for clues about her romantic experiences. As Carpenter continues to evolve as an artist, her approach to discussing relationships has become more guarded, reflecting her growth and desire for privacy in an increasingly scrutinized public life.
Current Relationship Status: Single and Focused
Sabrina’s Recent Comments on Dating
As of June 2025, Sabrina Carpenter appears to be single and focusing on her career following her December 2024 breakup with Barry Keoghan. In her Rolling Stone interview, she deliberately remained vague about her dating status, suggesting she’s embracing the freedom that comes with being a young adult in the entertainment industry. Her response indicates a shift toward prioritizing personal growth and professional development over romantic commitments.
The singer has expressed frustration with public speculation about her personal life, describing the experience as living under a “microscope.” She explained to Rolling Stone, “People underestimate how tricky it is to navigate being a young woman, having relationships, and then having a bunch of strangers have opinions on them.” This sentiment reflects her desire to maintain some privacy while acknowledging the reality of celebrity culture.
Career-First Mentality
Sources close to Carpenter suggest she’s currently prioritizing her music career over romantic relationships. Following the success of her album “Short n’ Sweet” and her continued rise in the pop music scene, the singer appears to be channeling her energy into creative projects and professional growth. Her recent single “Manchild,” released in June 2025, has been interpreted by fans as commentary on her past relationship experiences.
The Barry Keoghan Chapter: A Year-Long Romance
How They Met and Their Relationship Timeline
Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan first sparked dating rumors in December 2023 when they were spotted together in Los Angeles. The couple reportedly first met during Paris Fashion Week in September 2023 at a Givenchy show, where Carpenter wore a sheer black dress and Keoghan sported a white jacket. This initial meeting would later be referenced in Carpenter’s song “Bed Chem,” where she sings about a “cute boy with the white jacket and the thick accent.”
Their relationship became official in February 2024 when they were photographed sharing a kiss after leaving Hotel Bel-Air. The couple made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in March 2024, followed by a joint appearance at the Met Gala in May. Their most public display of affection came when Keoghan starred in Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” music video in June 2024, playing her on-screen boyfriend.
The On-and-Off Nature of Their Romance
Throughout their relationship, sources described Carpenter and Keoghan’s romance as “on and off,” suggesting they experienced multiple breakups and reconciliations. By August 2024, breakup rumors began circulating, though Keoghan appeared to dismiss them by liking Carpenter’s Instagram posts. The couple’s relationship was reportedly complicated by their busy schedules and career commitments.
The Final Split and Controversy
In December 2024, People magazine confirmed that Carpenter and Keoghan had officially ended their relationship. A source told the publication, “They are both young and career-focused, so they’ve decided to take a break.” However, another insider later clarified that the “break” was actually a permanent breakup, stating, “Things didn’t end well, and they are taking space from each other.”
The split was complicated by cheating allegations involving influencer Breckie Hill, though Hill denied ever meeting Keoghan. The controversy led to significant online backlash against Keoghan, prompting him to deactivate his Instagram account and address the situation on Twitter, expressing concern for his young son.
Sabrina’s Dating History: From Disney to Drama
Early Romance with Bradley Steven Perry
Carpenter’s first public relationship was with fellow Disney Channel actor Bradley Steven Perry, whom she dated from 2014 to 2015. The relationship began when Perry asked her out using a creative message-in-a-bottle approach, which Carpenter described as “really unique” and “cute.” Despite their breakup, the former couple appears to maintain a friendly relationship, with Perry recently praising Carpenter’s success on his podcast.
The Joshua Bassett Triangle
In 2020, Carpenter briefly dated Joshua Bassett following his split from Olivia Rodrigo. This relationship became the center of significant drama when Rodrigo released “drivers license,” which many interpreted as referencing Carpenter as the “blonde girl” who came between her and Bassett. Carpenter responded with her song “Skin,” subtly addressing the situation with the lyric “Maybe blonde was the only rhyme.”
Rumored Connections with Shawn Mendes and David Dobrik
Before her relationship with Keoghan, Carpenter was linked to several other celebrities, including Shawn Mendes in 2023 and YouTuber David Dobrik. The Mendes rumors were particularly persistent, with fans speculating that songs on her “Short n’ Sweet” album referenced their alleged relationship. However, Carpenter appeared to shut down dating rumors with Dobrik by posting on Instagram, “sry I don’t date lollapaloozas” after they were spotted together at the music festival.
Music as a Relationship Diary
Songs Inspired by Romance
Carpenter has consistently used her music to process and comment on her romantic experiences. Her album “Short n’ Sweet” is widely believed to contain references to multiple past relationships, with fans analyzing lyrics for clues about her personal life. She told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe that the album title wasn’t about her height but rather about how “some of these relationships” were “the shortest I’ve ever had, and they affected me the most.”
The “Manchild” Era
Her latest single “Manchild,” released in June 2025, has been interpreted by fans as commentary on her relationship with Keoghan. The timing of the release, coming months after their breakup, has led to speculation that the song addresses their split. Carpenter’s Instagram caption for the single announcement, “this one’s about you!!” further fueled fan theories about the song’s inspiration.
Fame and Privacy
The Challenges of Public Relations
Carpenter has been increasingly vocal about the difficulties of maintaining relationships while in the public eye. She described the experience as living under a “microscope,” where every aspect of her personal life is scrutinized and often misrepresented. The singer expressed frustration with inaccurate reporting, saying, “You’re like, ‘That didn’t happen then. That did happen then. You’re missing a few key details there.”
Setting Boundaries
As she’s matured, Carpenter has become more strategic about what she shares publicly regarding her personal life. She’s learned to trust herself and believe that “everything will unfold as it should,” recognizing that relationships are meant to come into your life for a reason.” This philosophical approach has helped her navigate the challenges of celebrity dating while maintaining her artistic integrity.
