Dakota Fanning has been in the public eye since she was seven years old, but her dating life? That has always been a much harder nut to crack. Honestly, while other former child stars were out having very public meltdowns or high-profile flings, Dakota just... didn't. She stayed quiet. She worked. She grew up. But lately, everyone is asking about a Dakota Fanning boyfriend because her sister, Elle Fanning, is currently plastered all over the news with her own partner, Gus Wenner.
It makes you wonder where Dakota stands. Is she hiding a secret romance, or is she actually flying solo?
The truth is pretty refreshing. As of early 2026, Dakota Fanning is officially single. She isn't just "quietly dating" someone behind the scenes, either. In a surprisingly candid move for someone so private, she recently admitted to joining Raya, the ultra-exclusive, invite-only dating app.
The Raya Revelation: Why Dakota is Swiping Now
For years, Dakota told anyone who would listen that she found dating "horrific." She hated the small talk. She hated the "getting to know you" phase. She basically preferred being set up by friends because it felt safer.
But things changed. In late 2025, specifically around October, Dakota did a massive joint cover story with Elle for Vanity Fair. While Elle was gushing about her "bright future" with Gus Wenner (the CEO of Rolling Stone), Dakota dropped the bombshell that her girlfriends finally convinced her to give the digital dating world a shot.
📖 Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
"I know what I have to give and I know what I deserve in return," she told The Times of London. It’s a powerful stance. She isn't just looking for anyone to fill the role of Dakota Fanning boyfriend; she’s waiting for the right person.
Interestingly, she hasn't seen many familiar faces on the app yet. Or if she has, she isn't naming names. She’s doing it "for fun," which is a wild departure for a woman who once described her approach to romance as deeply traditional and somewhat guarded.
Who Was the Last Dakota Fanning Boyfriend?
If you're trying to remember who she was last linked to, you're likely thinking of Henry Frye. They started dating around October 2017 and were a fixture at New York Knicks games for a while.
They were cute. They were spotted licking each other's faces in some weirdly charming polaroids shared by a friend. They even did the Prada fashion show red carpet together in 2018. But then, the trail went cold. No announcement, no messy Instagram deletions (mostly because she rarely posted him anyway), just... silence.
👉 See also: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
Before Henry, there was:
- Jamie Strachan: A British model who was 13 years her senior. They dated from 2013 to 2016. That was probably her most serious long-term relationship.
- Logan Markley: Her high school sweetheart. They briefly rekindled things after the Strachan split, but it didn't stick.
- Freddie Highmore: There were rumors back in 2009, but it was never really confirmed. Just two child stars grabbing dinner.
The Gus Wenner Connection (The Brother She Never Had)
While Dakota doesn't have a partner right now, she is heavily involved in her sister's relationship. This is where things get funny.
Elle Fanning and Gus Wenner are the "it" couple of the moment, recently making a splash at the 2026 Golden Globes. Dakota actually met Gus before Elle did—sort of. While Elle was away in Paris, Dakota ran into Gus at a party in Las Vegas.
According to Elle, Dakota spent the night gambling and dancing with Gus. She even sent Elle videos of the encounter. Dakota famously gave him the "seal of approval," though she admitted she gave him some "stern words" and "warnings" first. She now calls him the brother she never had.
✨ Don't miss: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
What She Really Wants in a Partner
Dakota turned 31 recently, and her perspective on life is shifting. She has been very vocal about the fact that she wants kids. In fact, she told Evie Magazine that if she had to choose between acting and having a family, she’d choose the family.
That’s a huge statement for someone with a career as prestigious as hers.
It explains why she’s being so selective. She isn't looking for a "red carpet accessory." She’s looking for a father for her future children. She’s looking for someone who fits into the tight-knit Fanning family unit.
The search for a Dakota Fanning boyfriend isn't about tabloid headlines for her. It’s about building a life.
Actionable Takeaways for Following Dakota's Dating Life
If you're keeping tabs on Dakota's relationship status, here is how to separate the facts from the "shipping" rumors:
- Check the Red Carpets: Dakota rarely brings "just a date" to an event. If a man appears on a carpet with her, it’s usually official.
- Watch the Sister: Dakota and Elle are incredibly close. If Elle or Gus Wenner starts posting a recurring male friend on Instagram, that’s your biggest clue.
- Respect the Privacy: Unlike many stars, Dakota will likely never "launch" a relationship on social media. She’s old school.
- Don't Believe Every "Source": Tabloids often link her to co-stars (like Andrew Scott during Ripley), but those are almost always just professional friendships.
Right now, Dakota is enjoying her "Raya era." She is single, successful, and seemingly very happy to wait for someone who meets her high standards. She knows her worth. And in Hollywood, that’s the rarest thing of all.