Before, stars would normally say "we're just friends," which actually meant, "we're more than just friends."
These days, some celebrity pairs prefer keeping mum about the real status of their relationship.
We see them in events together, we see them doing things together even off-cam, but we won't hear them say, "Kami na."
The closest admission we can get, "We're protecting what we have," or "Sa amin na lang."
Some may be doing it for career, especially if one of them is paired with another star.
A few simply don't want to talk about it for unknown personal reasons.
Here they are:
1. KATHRYN BERNARDO AND DANIEL PADILLA
Sources have repeatedly told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that they're really an item.
@bernardokath on IG
But unlike most reel and real-life couples, they do not seem to let personal stuff affect their professional life.
She was heard calling Daniel "babe," and was seen giving him a kiss in a ball game.
For his part, Daniel made an indirect admission last month.
“Whenever I see Kath on the set feeling blue, I instantly get affected, naba-bad trip na ako.
"But when she’s smiling and obviously happy, I can work until the following day.
"I am really affected by the way she feels and that’s what you call… love. Thank you so much."
2. MEGAN YOUNG AND MIKAEL DAEZ
The photos posted on their respective Instagram accounts would tell the real deal.
@mikaeldaez and @meganbata on IG
Mikael himself told PEP two years ago, "Kahit pa maraming nagsasabi na kami ni Megan but, I guess, I will let the photos speak for themselves."
Back then, Megan's reign as Miss World had not ended.
This year, the two had posted their photos taken in Singapore and South Africa, and have been addressing each other, "travel buddy."
3. WYN MARQUEZ AND MARK HERRAS
In June 2015, she discouraged him from courting her.
In October 2015, he said he's giving up.
In an interview with 24Oras, he said, “Hindi naman ako bata na parang medyo sabik magkaroon ng relationship.
“Kung darating yung panahon mo for love, kahit sino pa, kahit gaano pa katagal 'yan, di ba?”
But have you seen their respective Instagram accounts?
@wynmarquez and @angelo_herras on IG
The two also went out on Valentine's Day.
And the following day, Mark was quoted as saying, "May forever sa 'yo, sa tamang panahon."
4. CARLA ABELLANA AND TOM RODRIGUEZ
Based on their Instagram posts, these two were gym buddies, they had this ukay-ukay project, and they have been promoting each other's projects.
@carlaangeline on IG
Of late, they have been busy with their respective endeavors which makes the TomCar fans wonder, "Are they still together?"
But wait, did they really become together?
He said, "exclusively dating," while she said, "no label."
5. SOFIA ANDRES AND DIEGO LOYZAGA
They are each other's "plus one."
When he went out with his half-sister sisters, he was with Sofia.
When he got involved in the mauling incident, he was also with her.
But Diego clarified that he always asks her mom's permission each time they'd go out.
@diegoloyzaga on IG
So what's their relationship status? Diego answered, "Very good friends."
6. LOUISE DELOS REYES AND CHAMP LUI PIO
She had a "super fan girl moment" with him last year at the Wanderland Music Festival. She and her best friend Meme even called him "kuya."
In June 2015, she admitted to being inspired by the Hale front man.
But their Instagram accounts won't give away anything save for some "hugot quotes," the most recent of which was posted by Louise on February 29, 2016, and it read: "You need someone who goes out of their way to make it obvious that they want you in their life."
There were also some hints suggesting that they are more than friends.
@louisedr on IG
What do you PEPsters think?