The conventional wisdom is that May-December romances won't work.

Pop superstar and Latina heartthrob Jennifer Lopez had to find out the hard way.

The 44-year old mother of two has split from her former back-up dancer, Casper Smart, just 27, ending a relationship that lasted two-and-a-half years.

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It is the fifth failed relationship for the popular actress/singer since she first married in 1997. Her previous relationships were with Latino singer Marc Anthony and actor Benn Affleck. She has two children by Antony.

Entertainment website TMZ reported the split was amicable and that JLo and Casper remain friendly. They just simply grew apart, TMZ noted.

Lopez and Smart decided to go their separate ways a few months ago.

One source said Casper has been a single guy and can text or see whoever he wants. He was reportedly dating a transsexual and this was gossiped about as the reason for JLo ditching him. Close friends of Casper, however, said this was not the cause.

The most likely reason for the split was Casper's decision to make a career of his own away from JLo.

Sources said their relationship couldn't work owing to their living far apart. Casper's trying to trying to build his own life and career, and Jennifer focusing on a comeback meant the couple just couldn't be together as often as possible.

JLo is currently promoting her tenth studio album. She returned to her hometown in the Bronx last week to perform for the first time ever, heralding her return to the bright lights.

In an interview a few years ago, JLo said "I am not a non-traditional family. Me being a single mom, their dad doesn't live at home with them. They have three stepbrothers from two other mothers ... that's not traditional."

TagsJLo, Casper Smart, Jennifer Lopez