Text decoration on Page Vs in external css and seo??

Hi
Do SE's prefer to see text decorations like <B> on the page or in external CSS files? I am referring to not load time, but for word or phrase emphasis.

If they are in the css the SE will not take them into account right?

Thanks for your opinions.

 

I thinks google reads linked CSS, at the same time it wouln't be a bad idea to highlight few words with in-line style

 

Thanks for your reply.
I was thinking that G pretty much ignores external css files as far as seo goes.
Therefore on page style may have more effect.

Comments?