The actress, 20, has been romantically linked to Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko since December (09), when they were snapped holidaying together in Miami, Florida.
But Panettiere sparked speculation she had split from Klitschko and rekindled her love with Hard Rock Cafe heir Morton after they were spotted enjoying a night out in Los Angeles last week (ends26Feb10).
However, the petite star has shot down talk of a reunion with Morton, telling the New York Post's gossip column PageSix, "We're just friends."
Panettiere and Morton dated briefly last summer (Aug09) following her split from Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia.