While the term "cougar" has become extremely popular in recent years, romances where a significant age difference is present have been a staple of soaps. Check out these recent examples.

ATWT's Emily and Casey (Kelly Menighan Hensley and Billy Magnussen) — JPI

STATUS: married Aug. 1, 2008; annulled Aug. 15, 2008

Casey began working for mom Margo's archnemesis, Emily, at The Intruder, and the sexual attraction between them was undeniable. They eventually started an affair, which developed into love. When Margo discovered the relationship, she was furious. However, she learned to accept it after watching Emily and Casey suffer during Rick Decker's poisoning scheme. The poisoning caused a delusional Emily and Casey to impulsively get married. Unfortunately, not long after they were cured, she wanted out and their marriage was annulled.

B&B's Owen and Jackie (Brandon Beemer and Lesley-Anne Down) — JPI

STATUS: married, 2009

Jackie and Owen's relationship began as a cat-and-mouse flirtation with a deep physical attraction. They engaged in secret office rendezvous for some time, but when their relationship became public, Jackie's son Nick tried everything to break them up. They pulled off a whirlwind Hawaiian wedding on July 3, and returned to Jackie M as a united front, but only time will tell if the honeymoon is over.

B&B's Eric and Donna (John McCook and Jennifer Gareis) — JPI

STATUS: married, 2008-present

Donna and Eric began an affair, which was strongly disapproved of by many, particularly his children, Thorne, Felicia and Ridge. Eric's affections couldn't be deterred and he chose to remain with Donna. They eventually married in May 2008. They did encounter obstacles (Eric's coma, Owen and Donna's flirtation and Thorne using two models to make Donna look like a cheater), but the two have managed to make their marriage work.

DAYS's Chelsea and Daniel (Rachel Melvin and Shawn Christian) — JPI

STATUS: dated for a while in 2008

Chelsea was interested in hottie doc Daniel, but he tried to keep his distance — since she was his patient! Eventually, Daniel couldn't suppress the feelings he had for Chelsea, and they began dating. Their age difference bothered Chelsea's family, but they eventually accepted the relationship. Chelsea dumped Daniel when she discovered a text from her grandma Kate on Daniel's phone and learned they had a romantic past.

GH's Johnny and Olivia (Brandon Barash and Lisa LoCicero) — ABC

STATUS: dating, starting in 2009

Olivia and Johnny first hooked up after a night of too many drinks at Jake's. This led to the two returning to Olivia's apartment. Olivia's been cooking for and canoodling with Johnny ever since, although her pull to childhood boyfriend and baby daddy Sonny may wind up placing this boiling duo on the back burner.