‘Outer Banks’ Star Chase Stokes Explains What Drew Him to Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini might be playing coy about whether she’s dating Chase Stokes — but he’s a bit more definitive … explaining to TMZ what it is, exactly, he likes about her.

The “Outer Banks” star confirmed to our photog Tuesday he and the country singer are, in fact, an item … but whether he meant for it to slip out the way it did is another story. Check out our chat with him in L.A. … where we congratulated him on his new boo.

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Rather than correct us or clarify anything … he simply said thanks, and even gave us an answer when we asked what Kelsea brings to the table in their relationship.

Another tell they’re definitely dating — CS scoffing at the idea that Kelsea might need to brush him up on Southern culture. She’s a Nashville girl, but Chase made sure to set the record straight … noting he was raised in the South himself, and knows all about cowboy hats and such.

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The speculation over whether they’re a thing all started last week when they were seen attending the National Championship game in the same group — but it looked more official when Chase posted a photo of just the 2 of ’em cuddled in the stands.

That seems to be the IG official pic, but Chase is letting people come to that conclusion on their own — he didn’t comment on the game shot, but happily talked about Kelsea.

For her part, Kelsea reacted to the gossip with a non-answer answer — rolling her eyes at some DeuxMoi chatter about them and a lot of “Really?”.

Don’t worry about it, KB … Chase is happy to play the straight shooter on this one, and sounds like he’s claiming ya!