Singer/actor Tyrese is bemused by reports he's dating R+B star Brandy - because they are so close, she is like his "sister".

The childhood pals sparked rumours of an affair after they were spotted out together on Sunday at the Westfield Century City Shopping Center in Los Angeles.

But Tyrese - full name Tyrese Gibson - insists their relationship is purely platonic.

He says, "I would never date her (Brandy) - it would be like dating my sister.

"It was a simple lunch amongst friends. I love her like family but the rumours of us dating are really old."

And Afrodisiac hitmaker Brandy confesses she is still single - and has been since 2005.

She tells Us Weekly magazine, "I haven't dated anybody in three years."