Isn't this just down to semantics. I've got some close friends from New York and their definition of friend is radically different than what we in Sweden would refer to as a friend.
In Sweden the word "friend" is quite strong. It means basically that it some one you'd go out on a limb for, someone you trust without a doubt and who can trust you. Someone you would take considerable risk to save if needed.
As I understand it, in New York it just means someone you know. An aquintance. People who would stop and talk they would see each other in the street.
USA is big. I wouldn't be surprised if it's different between cities.
A New York girlfriend of a Swedish friend who lives there told me, "A thing I've noticed about Swedes, when they tell you they like you, they really do like you". Which off-course tells us more about New York than Sweden.
Same thing. Just down to semantics.