More than an acquaintance, less than a friend? [closed]

Mate

In Australia this word does not mean precisely that, but is probably pretty close.

He has a lot of mates and a few close friends.

Is "mate" more of a friend than acquaintance? I would say yes. You don't necessarily like an acquaintance, or even enjoy their company - but people who you are "mates" with are definitely people who you like to be around even if you are not that close, say work buddies. In fact, perhaps in an American context:

Buddy

I was thinking on this recently with a friend, and came up with "supraquaintance," to indicate a level above acquaintances but (implicitly) not yet at the level of friendship.