Claim: 7 Things is a work.

`` 7 Things '' is a song by American singer-songwriter and actress Miley Cyrus . The song was co-written by Cyrus , Antonina Armato and Tim James , and produced by John Fields . It was released on June 17 , 2008 by Hollywood Records as the lead single from the first studio album released by Cyrus with no ties to her character Hannah Montana from the Disney Channel comedy series of the same name . Also registered as `` Seven Things I Hate About You '' , Cyrus developed the song during the Best of Both Worlds Tour while feeling numerous emotions for an ex-boyfriend , mainly anger . The song 's release brought allegations that it was about Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers , which Cyrus neither confirmed nor denied . Musically , `` 7 Things '' bears aspects of both country and pop rock , while the lyrics in the song 's refrain list seven traits Cyrus hates about an ex-boyfriend .   `` 7 Things '' received mixed to positive reviews from music critics and enjoyed worldwide commercial success , becoming a top ten hit on charts in Australia , Japan , Norway , and the United States . The single was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association -LRB- ARIA -RRB- , while its appearance on the Japan Hot 100 made `` 7 Things '' Cyrus ' first song to chart in an Asian country . The song 's accompanying music video was directed by Brett Ratner and features Cyrus performing the song with a back-up band as many teenage girls lipsync along . The girls clutch a variety of props , such as love letters and snow globes , inspired by personal items Cyrus ' ex had given her . The video was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award at both the 2008 and 2009 award shows . Cyrus promoted the song through several venues including her world tours , the Wonder World Tour and the Gypsy Heart Tour .