Difference between friends

*friend* someone who you know and like very much and enjoy spending time with : 
_• Dad, this is my friend Steve._ 
_• She’s going to Palm Springs with some friends._ 
_• I got a letter from a friend from college._
_• Amy’s a close friend of mine._ 
_• John was a really good friend to me when I had all those problems last year._ 
*acquaintance /əˈkweɪntəns/*
someone who you know and see sometimes, but who is not one of your close friends : 
_• We borrowed the money from one of Paul’s business acquaintances._ 
*mate*  _British English informal_ a friend – used especially about boys or men : 
_• He always goes to the pub with his mates on Friday night._ 
_• Terry’s an old mate of mine._ 
*buddy* _American English informal_  a friend – used especially about men or young people : 
_• He’s out playing basketball with some of his high school buddies._ 
*pal* _informal_  a friend –  *pal* sounds rather old-fashioned : 
_• They met at school and have remained close pals._ 
*crony* [usually plural]  _disapproving_ a friend – used about powerful people who will help each other even if it is slightly dishonest : 
_• He’s one of the president’s cronies_ . 
*companion* _written_ someone who spends time with you, doing the same things as you – used about animals as well as people : 
_• travelling companions_ 
_• His dog was his constant companion._ 
_• the perfect companion_
*the girls* _informal_ a woman’s female friends : 
_• We’re having a girls’ night out._ 
*the lads*
  _British English informal_ a man’s male friends : 
_• a night out with the lads_ 

After reading this, next time you won't questioning yourself what the difference is among them 🙂

_Source: Longman Contemporary Dictionary_