A heartfelt birthday tribute to her BFF was confused for a boyfriend reveal.Julianne Hough sparked speculation that she's dating Animal Kingdom star Tyler Lain, but she set the record straight on her rumored relationship.





After her birthday post for Lain became fodder for many headlines, noting that she seemingly confirmed they're dating, Hough took to Instagram to clarify their relationship status.For everyone assuming…Tyler is my BEST FRIEND! We are not in a relationship :)," she wrote in an Instagram Story on Thursday.


The BFFs were thought to be dating after Lain shared pictures from a beachside photoshoot with Hough in early February, where they were shown embracing each other. Hough shared one of the pictures on her Instagram Story, captioned, "My love.Then, on Lain's birthday, the former Dancing with the Stars judge shared more pictures from their beach hangout, paired with a heartfelt message.


"Tyler, your light shines brighter than anyone I've ever known. You are unique and chic, definitely not basic," she wrote. "You give the best hugs but really, you ARE a warm hug.The caption continued, "You dance, play and enjoy life to the fullest every single day and therefore transfer all the joy and laughter to anyone and everyone who meets you. You've been such an important reason why NYC feels like home to me and so many of our friends."


So no, Hough and Lain aren't an item. They just really love each other as friends, which is just as sweet.Though Hough confirmed she's not with Lain, she hasn't confirmed whether she's single or not. She was last tied to Shadow and Bone star Ben Barnes in 2022. However, the romance between them seems to have fizzled out, since they haven't been seen together in nearly a year.Hough was previously married to Brooks Laich, but they announced their divorce in 2020.