Growing up in front of millions on a hit television show means every romance you pursue gets dissected by the public. For Ariel Winter, stepping out of the spotlight of Modern Family didn't stop fans from tracking her personal life. Her relationship timeline spans from early teenage romances to long-term partnerships, weathering public scrutiny, tabloid noise, and major lifestyle shifts.
Understanding Ariel Winter dating history means looking at how public interest followed her from a child star into adulthood. Each relationship marked a different phase of her personal growth, career evolution, and relocation away from Los Angeles.
Cameron Palatas (2012–2013)
The earliest publicly documented relationship in the actress's life occurred when she was just fourteen years old. She began dating actor Cameron Palatas in 2012. At the time, Palatas was eighteen, which sparked immediate media attention regarding their four-year age gap.
Because Winter was a minor and navigating complex family dynamics during those years, her early personal life often made headlines outside of her acting work. The teenage relationship lasted roughly a year before the pair parted ways quietly.
Laurent Gaudette (2013–2016)
Following her early teenage years, Winter entered a high-profile relationship with actor and singer-songwriter Laurent Gaudette. The pair started dating in October 2013 when Winter was fifteen, and they remained together through much of her high school experience.
Gaudette often accompanied her to red carpet events and industry gatherings. The couple experienced a brief breakup in late 2015 before reconciling temporarily, but they split permanently around mid-2016. Sources close to the actress noted that the mutual split allowed both individuals to focus on their respective career paths as they transitioned into adulthood.
Levi Meaden (2016–2019)
In late 2016, Winter began a relationship with Canadian actor Levi Meaden. This partnership quickly drew intense media scrutiny due to a ten-year age gap; Winter was nineteen and Meaden was twenty-nine when they got together.
The couple pushed past public criticism and moved in together into a Sherman Oaks home in 2017. Winter frequently defended their domestic arrangement against online trolls, noting that living with a partner was normal for adults of consenting age. After nearly three years together, the pair quietly separated in the summer of 2019. Reports indicated that diverging lifestyles and a desire for a fresh start contributed to the amicable separation.
Luke Benward (2019–2025)
Winter's longest and most stable adult relationship began shortly after her split from Meaden. She transitioned from a long-time friendship with Disney Channel actor Luke Benward into a romantic relationship by late 2019.
The couple bonded over shared experiences of growing up in the entertainment industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Benward became a steady anchor for the actress, whom she frequently described as her safe space. Seeking a quieter life away from the relentless paparazzi culture of Southern California, Winter and Benward packed up and relocated from Los Angeles to Tennessee, purchasing a farmhouse near Nashville. After nearly six years together, the couple separated in August 2025, prompting Winter to embrace a new chapter focused on personal independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ariel Winter currently married?
No, Winter has never been married. While she has engaged in several long-term relationships, she has not walked down the aisle.
Why did Ariel Winter move to Tennessee?
After finishing her long run on television, Winter sought privacy away from the intense public eye of Los Angeles. She moved to the Nashville area to enjoy a slower, more grounded lifestyle.
Who was Ariel Winter's longest relationship?
Her relationship with actor Luke Benward stands as her longest, lasting from late 2019 until their separation in August 2025.
Did Ariel Winter date any of her Modern Family co-stars?
No. Despite fan speculation and rumors sparked by close friendships with castmates like Nolan Gould, Winter never dated anyone from the Modern Family main cast.
