The Dirrty singer has been seen on a string of dates with the movie set assistant since her split from husband Jordan Bratman earlier this year.
And she said she was having fun – but not rushing into a serious relationship.
She said: “There’s a love there, yes.
“I’m having fun, I’m dating and it’s something I haven’t had in a really long time.”
Christina, 29, met Rutler while she filmed new flick, Burlesque.
She told a US magazine: “He is a special person. We had a really strong friendship on the movie.
“Once I filed for divorce, we started dating.
“I’m not trying to jump into anything. I just left a five-year marriage. I’m taking it slow and trying to be happy.”
Christina has a two-year-old son, Max, with ex-hubby Bratman.
She added: “For [his] sake we keep in communication and try to be as civil as possible.
“It’s hard to explain to a two-year-old what exactly is happening. When you’re unhappy in a marriage, your children are the ones who suffer.
“That’s the last thing I wanted for my son.”