Hailee Steinfeld, the acclaimed actress and singer, has navigated her romantic life with a blend of privacy and public visibility since her rise to fame. Despite her preference for keeping personal matters close, her relationships with notable figures have often captured media attention, offering glimpses into her journey through love and partnership. Her romantic history, while not extensive, reflects periods of intense public interest and significant personal milestones.
One of Hailee Steinfeld's earliest publicly acknowledged relationships was with Cameron Smoller. The couple began dating in late 2016, making their red carpet debut together at a W Magazine event in January 2017, ahead of the Golden Globes. Their relationship was often showcased through cozy social media posts, with Smoller, an Instagram influencer, frequently sharing photos of them together. They were seen at various events and often posted affectionate captions, indicating a sweet, if private, romance. However, their relationship was relatively brief, reportedly ending in late 2017. While the exact reasons for their split were not widely publicized, sources suggested a mutual parting.
Following her relationship with Smoller, Steinfeld entered a high-profile romance with former One Direction member Niall Horan. The two were initially friends, with Horan publicly wishing Steinfeld a happy birthday in December 2017, calling her "the loveliest person on the planet and one of my best friends." Their romantic connection became evident in early 2018, with reports of them being spotted on dates and attending events together, though they rarely made formal red carpet appearances as a couple. They were photographed together at a Backstreet Boys concert in Las Vegas and at various outings, signaling a burgeoning relationship.
The relationship between Steinfeld and Horan was closely watched by fans, but the couple largely kept details private. Despite their efforts to maintain discretion, their busy schedules ultimately proved to be a challenge. Reports surfaced in December 2018 that the couple had split after approximately a year of dating. A source close to the pair told Us Weekly that the breakup happened "a while ago," stating, "Niall wrapped up his tour and had more free time, but Hailee’s work schedule really ramped up, so they didn’t have time for a relationship. They still have a lot of love for each other."
The aftermath of their breakup saw both artists release music that fans speculated was inspired by their relationship. Steinfeld's 2020 song "Wrong Direction" was widely interpreted as a reflection on her relationship with Horan, with lyrics hinting at a difficult end. Similarly, Horan's album "Heartbreak Weather," released in March 2020, contained songs that fans believed referenced his relationship with Steinfeld, exploring themes of love and loss. These musical expressions provided a public, albeit indirect, commentary on their time together.
After a period of maintaining a highly private dating life, Hailee Steinfeld's most recent and significant relationship became public in May 2023 when she was linked to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The two were first spotted together on a dinner date in New York City, sparking immediate romance rumors. Initially, both Steinfeld and Allen remained tight-lipped about their budding relationship, with Allen commenting in August 2023 on the "gross feeling" of the lack of privacy that came with public interest in his romantic life.
Despite their desire for privacy, their relationship steadily grew more serious and public. Steinfeld was frequently seen attending Allen's NFL games, showing support from the stands. In October 2023, they made their first public appearance together at an NHL season opener. Their relationship was further solidified when they made it "Instagram official" in July 2024, with Allen sharing a photo of them together in Paris. Steinfeld also bonded with Allen's family, including his mother, and attended his sister's gender reveal party, indicating a deep level of commitment.
The couple took a major step in their relationship when they announced their engagement on November 29, 2024. Allen proposed to Steinfeld on November 22, 2024, during the Bills' bye week. They shared a joint Instagram post featuring a romantic photo of Allen on one knee in front of a floral arch by the ocean, simply captioned with "♾️ 11•22•24 ♾️." The proposal was an intimate and heartfelt moment, with Allen later revealing his nervousness about the milestone. This engagement marked a significant new chapter for Steinfeld, signaling a future with her partner, Josh Allen, and a continued journey in the public eye.