"They're definitely talking marriage,but don't official engagement until next year,"says the source."John feels it wouldn't be right to start planning a wedding just a little over a year after his mother's death.

"He's also in the middle of launching his new political magazine called George,so the timing isn't right".

John managed to keep his romance with Carolyne Bessette under wraps for nearly eight months.

But a recent public display of affection at a posh party in the Hamptons has friends buzzing that Jacjie's O's son has finally decided to rip the veil of secrecy off their relationship.

"Jonh and Carolyne turned haeds as they smmoched and hugged",says an eyewitness.

Adds another insider:"This is the most serious relationship John's ever had".

Pals of the couple believe Carolyne is a much better match for John than ex-girlfriend Daryl Hannah.

Classy Carolyne,a strking beuty in her late 20's,is in charge of publicity for Calvin Klein's fashion empire.John dated her briefly before hooking up with actress Daryl,who he dated for five years before they broke up last August.

"He's much more committed to Carolyne than he ever was to Daryl,"says the insider."Carolyne's well-educated and moves in upper-crust circles like he does.And they share a lot of interests,like blading,hiking and sailing.They're made for each other".