The Ultimate Journey of Love: Unraveling Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner's Romantic Timeline

In anticipation of Taylor Swift's upcoming re-release of Speak Now, Us is taking a trip down memory lane with the Grammy winner and her re-recordings.

During the making of her third studio album, Swift's name was often associated with Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, and John Mayer. Speculation has long circulated that her connection with her Valentine's Day co-star served as inspiration for the album's second single.

Swift and Lautner were in a relationship for a few months during the autumn of 2009, but they decided to end it in December. According to a source, he had stronger feelings for her and made an effort to be with her, while she didn't prioritize traveling to see him. Eventually, they mutually agreed that remaining friends suited them better.

When Speak Now was released in October 2010, the musician revealed to Yahoo! Music that the message behind "Back to December" differed from her other breakup anthems.

"I have never felt the need to sincerely apologize to someone before," she confessed. "But now, it is absolutely necessary."

In the song, Swift croons, "You presented me with roses, but I neglected them until they withered away / Hence, I am swallowing my pride at this moment / Standing before you, expressing my sincerest apologies for that night / And the memories of December haunt me constantly."

The lyrics also touch upon Lautner's sun-kissed complexion and charming smile, their memorable moments together during the summer of 2009, and the realization of Swift's affection for him in the autumn.

"It's virtually identical. It's a song and a conversation that needed to occur because I don't wish to cause harm. If you inadvertently do so, you must make amends," Swift shared with USA Today during that time. "I feel completely at ease singing about these specifics and relationships, mentioning specific times, dates, details, and names. However, when it comes to interviews and they ask, 'Are you romantically involved with this person?' or 'Did you have a relationship with this person?' or even 'What's your current relationship status?' I suddenly feel quite bashful."

Lautner had no choice but to acknowledge the song when his Scream Queens colleague Lea Michele mentioned it during a Facebook Live session. In August 2016, the Glee alum questioned, "Didn't she write a song about you?"

His response was simply, "That's her thing. She's a songwriter."

Michele persisted, questioning, "So, it's about a sweater and a hat, right? Like, your hat in December!"

Reluctantly, Lautner conceded, responding, "Yes, it's titled 'Back to December'."

Years later, the actor known for his role in Abduction announced his engagement to another individual named Taylor, Tay Dome, in November 2021. On the other hand, Swift has been in a relationship with Joe Alwyn since 2017. Take a look below to revisit the timeline of Swift and Lautner.

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Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner’s Relationship Timeline: From ‘Valentine’s Day’ to ‘Back to December’

Ahead of Taylor Swift rereleasing Speak Now, Us is going “Back to December” in honor of the Grammy winner’s rerecordings.

During the production of her third studio album, Swift was romantically associated with Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, and John Mayer. It has been widely speculated that her relationship with her Valentine's Day costar served as the inspiration for the album's second single.

Swift and Lautner dated for a few months in the autumn of 2009, ending their relationship in December. According to a source at the time, "He had stronger feelings for her than she did for him. He made every effort to be with her, whereas she didn't prioritize traveling to see him. Ultimately, they mutually agreed that they were better off as friends."

In October 2010, when the musician released Speak Now, she clarified to Yahoo! Music that the song "Back to December" conveyed a distinct message compared to her other breakup anthems.

"At that point, I hadn't truly felt the need to apologize to someone," she confessed. "But now, it feels crucial."

Swift's lyrics in the track express her remorse and vulnerability as she reflects on a past relationship. She admits to neglecting the roses he gave her, symbolizing her own pride. Swift courageously apologizes for the events of that particular night and shares her lingering thoughts of that time in December. The lyrics furthermore mention Lautner's physical features such as his tan complexion and charming smile, recalling the cherished moments they shared during the summer of 2009. It becomes evident that Swift realized her deep affection for him during the autumn season.

"It's practically verbatim. The song and conversation were necessary in order to avoid causing harm to others. If you unintentionally do so, it is your responsibility to make amends," Swift explained to USA Today when discussing the track. "I feel incredibly at ease expressing the specific details of these relationships and recounting times, dates, details, and names through my music. However, when it comes to a personal interview and they inquire about my dating life or past relationships, I suddenly become quite shy."

As for Lautner, he was compelled to address the song when his Scream Queens co-star, Lea Michele, brought it up during a Facebook Live session. "Didn't she write a song about you?" the Glee actress questioned in August 2016.

"That's her specialty," he responded. "She excels in composing melodious tunes."

Michele persisted, inquiring, "I believe it revolves around a sweater and a hat, correct? It's similar to your hat during December!"

Lautner reluctantly admitted, "The title of the song is 'Back to December.'"

In November 2021, the Abduction actor found himself engaged to another Taylor, known as Tay Dome. As for Swift, she has been in a relationship with Joe Alwyn since 2017.

Scroll through to revisit Swift and Lautner’s timeline:

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2009

In one of Swift’s first acting gigs, she and Lautner played high school love interests in the 2010 movie, which was filmed the year prior.

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2009

Rumors that Swift and Lautner were dating started swirling in late summer 2009.

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2009

In October 2009, during her "musical monologue," the singer of "Fearless" confirmed the ongoing rumors about her relationship with the werewolf from the Twilight saga. Singing, she playfully asked, "If you're wondering if I might be dating the werewolf from Twilight," followed by blowing a kiss, waving, winking, and mouthing, "Hi Taylor!" After receiving applause, she humorously added, "I'm not going to comment on that in my monologue."

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2009

From September to November, Swift and Lautner were frequently seen together, sharing sweet moments at the 2009 VMAs and enjoying hockey games. Additionally, during one of her Fearless tour stops in Chicago in October 2009, the actor was witnessed embracing Swift.

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2009

During his SNL appearance in December 2009, the actor made light of the fact that he had not come to Taylor Swift's defense when Kanye West unexpectedly interrupted her acceptance speech at the VMAs two months earlier. "Rather than reacting in real life, I fantasized about confronting him," Lautner revealed, playfully engaging in a mock fight with a cardboard cut-out of the rapper.

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2009

In late December 2009, it was reported by Us that their three-month romance had come to an end. Swift appeared to confirm the timing of the breakup in her song "Back to December."

"I wish I had realized what I had when you were mine / I would go back to December, turn around and make it right / I constantly find myself going back to December," she sings. She later admits, "You gave me your love and all I gave you was a goodbye."

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2010

During the promotion of her third studio album in October 2010, Swift expressed her gratitude for the enduring close friendship she had with Lautner, stating, "He's a truly fantastic person, and our bond will remain strong. I appreciate his presence in my life."

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2023

During an episode of his wife's podcast "The Squeeze," Lautner revealed his lack of knowledge about the Kanye incident at the 2009 VMAs. As he handed Swift the award and stepped back, Kanye suddenly leaped onto the stage while Swift was delivering her thank you speech. Lautner, unable to clearly hear or see what was happening, assumed it was a pre-planned skit. However, when Swift turned back around and he saw the expression on her face, he realized it was not a good situation.

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2023

Swift's announcement to reissue Speak Now stirred up anticipation, but Lautner reassured fans on Today that he feels secure and unthreatened by any potential new songs. In a lighthearted manner, he jokingly mentioned that he's "praying for John" Mayer. Later, the actor took to TikTok, sharing a video of himself on his knees while "Dear John," the infamous track from the 2010 album, played in the background.

Credit: Courtesy of Taylor Lautner/Instagram

2023

Lautner appeared in Swift’s “I Can See You” music video, which premiered on July 7, at her Eras Tour concert in Kansas City.

"He played a significant role of positivity in my life while I was working on the Speak Now album. I must acknowledge that he performed every single stunt that you witnessed in the music video," she expressed with enthusiasm during the concert, extending an invitation to her former boyfriend to join her on stage. "Both he and his wife, Taylor Dome, have now become some of my closest friends, and it's quite convenient because we all happen to share the same first name."

Lautner, who recently tied the knot in 2022, attended the concert alongside his wife. Taking the opportunity on stage, he expressed to Swift, "You are truly gracious, humble, and kind. It's an honor to have you in my life."