RUMOR ON THE STREET: Whitney Houston is Quietly Dating Tyrese

We knew Tyrese was a lady killer, but word on the street is that he has Whitney more sprung off him than she was on… well, her ex-husband!

Despite Whitney Houston’s ongoing battle against substance abuse and a career-threatening health problem, she’s found a new love – AND she’s so crazy about him she’s already talking marriage.

Houston, 47, has flipped for “Transformers” star Tyrese Gibson, who’s just 32.

“They met four months ago, and Whitney’s already professing her love,” revealed a close friend.

Whitney and Tyrese were introduced on Valentine’s Day at a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles – and Whitney was instantly attracted to Tyrese’s good looks and personality.

“After the party, Whitney called to ask him out,” continued the friend. “Now they’re quietly dating!”