No element of Eighties culture was 'safe' from those characteristics that would go on to define the overall feeling of the decade. Celebrity culture, certainly, was no exception! The concept of celebrity culture as we know it today was just beginning to take shape; a group of young actors and actresses known as 'The Brat Pack' would go on to be big stars and fixtures on teen magazine covers. Some members of this elite group were barely out of their teens themselves, navigating the world of fast fame and fortune, gravitating toward one another with a few members going on to be remembered for their relationships with each other in addition to their individual fame.

'Brat Pack' member Rob Lowe was one example; His ability to prove himself as a dramatic actor in roles like Class and The Outsiders coupled with his handsomely good looks propelled the actor to heartthrob status. Lowe was linked to multiple ladies of the Eighties, including Winona Ryder, the actress who would rise to fame playing relatable roles, allowing many of us to see bits and pieces of ourselves in Ryder's performances.

Related: Everything Fans Forget About Rob Lowe

Ryder And Rob: An Inside Look Into Their Romance

By 1987, Rob Lowe was a household name, not only gaining attention from critics and fans but from famous women. Through the decade, there was a notable famous lady on Lowe's radar and he was quite serious about her. Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert not only 'graduated' to land more mature roles, but her heart also grew for the St. Elmo's Fire hunk. According to Men's Health, the pair got engaged in 1986 only to "part ways" a year later.

Related: 15 Couples You Forgot Dated In The '80s

Following Lowe's break-up with Melissa Gilbert, another 'It girl' on the block caught his eye. He began shooting the film Square Dance alongside Winona Ryder, who would go on to star in future classic cinema of the era like Beetlejuice and Heathers. Ryder would catch Lowe's eye on set, and the two would soon strike up a relationship. As the relationship progressed past the making of Square Dance, the couple would ultimately choose to keep their romance private and away from cameras. The exact reasons why Lowe and Ryder wanted to keep it quiet are unknown, but their lengthy age difference may have been a contribution. Lowe was 23 at the time, with Ryder being only 16.

Lowe's heartthrob status meant his every move was covered in teen magazines along with swoon-worthy pin-ups, making sense for him and Ryder to protect their privacy as much as possible. The most widely known instance of the couple making a public appearance together was the 1988 Golden Globes ceremony.

Related: Sweet Facts About Johnny Depp And Winona Ryder's Relationship

For all of us who have ever written or have long to read fan fiction pairing Veronica Sawyer and Soda Curtis together, we need to look no further than the brief but bright romance between the actors who brought them to life, Rob Lowe and Winona Ryder!

Next: Winona Ryder: How She Went From Lydia Deetz To Joyce Byers