One Direction describes themselves as a 'family'

From left, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Liam Payne of the musical group One Direction perform on stage at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

The members of One Direction see one another as "family."

The 'Best Song Ever' hitmakers -- consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson -- feel incredibly lucky to have developed such a strong relationship, which extends further than just friendship, in just three years.

Tomlinson said: "I think 'family' is probably the best way of describing us. It's different to friendship."

Added Horan: "Yeah, we spend a good time on the road, and, obviously it's so important that we all get along or it won't work."

Styles explained: "There could have easily been one person who didn't get along with anyone; who nobody liked, but it wasn't like that.

"The relationship that's grown with these four boys that I didn't even know three years ago is absolutely insane and it's incredible. I'm very lucky that I get to spend so much time with them."

The 20-year-old Styles has recently been rumoured to be embarking on a solo career, but he has shot down the speculation and insists he'll be part of One Direction until they're forced to go their separate ways due to old age.

He explained to TOTP magazine: "I'm 100 per cent in this band. I still want to be touring with One Direction in ten years. I'll be doing it until I'm old and people are telling me to stop."

One Direction shot to fame after taking part in 'The X Factor' in 2010.