Is it cheating?

Best friend found out that her boyfriend of a year and a half has been going out with other girls. He claims nothing happened, no sex, kissing, or even hand-holding. But, these girls were under the impression he was single (until one found out he had a gf and contacted my friend). Is it cheating? I think so, because there was romantic intention, but he claims they just went out and it was up to the girl to think if they were going to coffee or lunch as friends or not. The girl that contacts my friend says they went to the movies one night, which definitely says date to me. I think it's cheating, but she really loves him and is just having trouble processing things. The fact that they live together makes things even more complicated. Thoughts?