Who's who on "The Hills"

"The Hills," in its fourth season and still the most-watched program on MTV, now faces the strange challenge of having to compete with its own noise. Its cast is covered so ravenously by bloggers, entertainment newsmagazines and the tabloids that the show itself can seem like an afterthought.

[The latest: "Hills" star Lauren Conrad's former BFF, Heidi Montag, and her boyfriend, Spencer Pratt, appeared on the Thanksgiving week cover of Us Weekly with the headline "Heidi & Spencer Elope!"]

It's got to be tough staying friends with L.C. through the years. Here's the quick-and-dirty rundown of her current reality TV circle:

Heidi Montag, friend-turned-foe: Heidi lost standing when Lauren blamed Heidi and Spencer for spreading rumors that Lauren had made a sex tape with ex-boyfriend Jason. Heidi denies it was her, and Lauren has rejected all attempts at reconciliation.

Audrina Patridge, unclear: Lauren's ex-roommate Audrina was there for her during the height of her feud with Heidi but has since moved out after having become a fifth wheel to Lauren and her other BFF, Lo. Their friendship could be tested again: There are rumors that her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Justin "Bobby" Brescia, hooked up with Lauren.

Spencer Pratt, foe: Stole Heidi from Lauren and is accused of being the mastermind behind the sex-tape rumors.

Brody Jenner, friend: Their fling turned into friendship after he cheated on Lauren with Jennifer Bunney. (Go figure.)

Lo Bosworth, friend: Lauren's childhood friend and housemate drove a wedge between L.C. and Audrina but causes no mischief of her own.

Whitney Port, friend: Co-worker and Lauren's sounding board since Season 1. Whitney is about to leave "The Hills" for New York — and her own show, the spinoff "The City."

Stephanie Pratt, foe-turned-friend: Stephanie's befriending of Lauren was unexpected, because she is Spencer's sister. But she's managed to stay in Lauren's good graces, even while dating L.C.'s recent ex behind her back. It's those big, often tear-filled eyes of hers. They get Lauren every time.