Miley Cyrus, 15, says the age difference between her and her 20-year-old boyfriend does "not really worry" her.
The 'Hannah Montana' star refused to reveal details of her romantic involvement with underwear model Justin Gaston, but said she is very close to the long-haired hunk.
When US radio host Ryan Seacrest asked her if she was dating Justin, Miley
replied: "Maybe, maybe not. Right now, everything is, like, really good. We're just really happy with everything and the way everything has worked out.
"He has been a really great friend, more than anything. It's annoying that everyone started judging us as soon as we started hanging out.
"After my last two years, I've learned just not to judge anyone and go into our friendship with an open mind and not really worry about the age or anything."
Miley also called underwear model Justin - who is friends with her father Billy Ray Cyrus - a "great Christian guy".
She added: "Our families are like, 'Whatever happens, happens'. If he's nothing but a really good friend, that's awesome.
"More than anything, he has really helped me move on from a lot of things. He's a really great Christian guy. He's gone through stuff, and I've gone through stuff, and everyone goes through that.
"I'm totally gushing right now!"