Just a few days ago we reported that Milo Ventimiglia admitted he was dating Hayden Panettiere, and now there is more to fuel the speculation. People reports:

Having previously denied a relationship, the two Heroes stars are now considered an item.

"Hayden’s mom adores Milo. She thinks he’s so cute," a family friend tells PEOPLE. "She tells her friends that he’s her boyfriend. She’s very proud."

On a December trip to New York City, Ventimiglia hung out with the entire Panettiere family. "He’s even met her grandparents. He fits in perfectly with the family. Milo jokes around with her little brother," says the source. "They’re buddies."

When the couple are together, "they’re very affectionate and very comfortable around each other. He really takes care of her, even down to the little things like giving her a back massage and going with her to work."

A rep for the actress said: "We do not respond to inquiries from the media regarding Ms. Panettiere’s personal life."

Since cozying up at an Emmys party in September, the two had dodged rumors that they were dating – even though, by mid-November, they already were clearly close, being together publicly at benefits and other events.

When asked shortly before Thanksgiving about the reports of his possible romance with Panettiere, Ventimiglia chuckled then paused before saying, "She and I are close friends. It’s only natural that people are going to couple us together."

"They’re not afraid to show their affection around her family and their friends," says the friend.

As for the existence of a mini generation gap – Ventimiglia’s 30, while Panettiere’s 18 – the friend adds, "At first it doesn’t seem like there’s a big age difference, but then you do see it. … He’s more proper and reserved, and she’s still playful and very girly."

People is a very reliable source. Milo and Hayden just need to say they are dating publicly, and it’ll be official.

A report claims Milo Ventimiglia has admitted he is dating Hayden Panettiere. Transworld reports:

Milo Ventimiglia has finally come clean about his relationship with co-star Hayden Panettiere. The pair were rumored to be dating, but always denied they were more than just good friends.

According to reports, the 30-year-old actor announced he and Panettiere were dating when he toasted the 18-year-old at a pre-Christmas Water Grill party in Los Angeles. Sources say Ventimigila told co-stars that he was dating Panettiere and even told her he loved her.

“He called her his girlfriend and said that he loved her,” says an eyewitness. The insider adds that the couple spent the rest of the night holding hands.

I’ll believe this when Gays can marry … in all 50 states. Milo will never admit this. Hayden made it clear in the beginning. She is young, and wants to keep her options open. Milo is just an older guy that can teach Hayden a few tricks her next guy can enjoy.

The other day I was walking around scratching myself wondering what Milo Ventimiglia was up to, and voila it hit me, either he was doing Hayden or some sort of Christmas short. Here’s the behind the scenes footage from American Eagle’s new animated mini series Winter Tales. Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Pete Wentz, Adrianne Palicki, Lil Jon, and Kristen Bell. No reindeer were harmed in the making of this short, even though there was plenty of deer sausage on the set.

Hayden Panettiere has overexposed herself. She’s everywhere, even the Ronald McDonald house, and posing with Ne-Yo. At this point she’s all played out. Then I find out she’s stripped down to her undies again, and posed for Vogue. One mistake a lot of young stars make is to give an interview they have to live up to, like the one Hayden gave to Vogue below:

Hayden on when she intends on becoming the latest screwed-up girl in Hollywood:
“Never, never. Cross our fingers. You can’t schedule rehab for me. And I don’t think you can schedule any DUI’s. I think I’m going to be one of those boring girls.”

Hayden on Britney Spears:
“That girl was the epitome of beauty when I was younger. And we built her up and just ripped her down, put every aspect of her life under a microscope. Probably made 90 percent of the stuff up along the way. I can’t even imagine if I had it like she does. She’s someone that I’m rooting for, and I hope she can make that comeback.”

Hayden on the craziest rumor she has ever heard about herself:
“Well, now that I’m single, it’s like I’m dating every male I’m standing next to, and possibly every female.”

Hayden on rumors she is dating her Heroes castmate, Milo Ventimiglia:
“No, I’m not. I love my castmates, and I adore Milo. He’s awesome, but we’re easy targets. We’re both young, and he’s one of the only people on the show not married with children.”

Hayden on celebs she wouldn’t mind being romantically linked to:
“God, it could be anyone from Leo DiCaprio to Justin Timberlake, or any girl. You want to make me a lesbian? That’s totally fine with me. Um, let’s see. We could do a love affair with Angelina. We could do… Oh gosh, I love, there are so many beautiful girls. Charlize Theron. Oh, my God. Kate Beckinsale is gorgeous. Jessica Alba.”

I thought Hayden was smarter than this interview. She loves the attention. Look how she keeps trying to get someone, anyone, to start a rumor she’s a lesbian. She reminds me of Lindsay. If Hayden really wants attention she should just pose for Playboy. Do it now before gravity takes its toll. Actually, I changed my mind, maybe she should just go to a nude beach with another girl and make-out with her while the paparazzi snap a few pictures.

Milo Ventimiglia is still denying he is dating Hayden Panettiere. He said:

“She and I are close friends. It’s only natural that people are going to couple us together.”

Isn’t it ironic that Milo would use the word "couple" in his denial? These two sure seem to spend a lot of time together, like a "couple" would.