What does "mate" mean?

[Bronze]

I've heard the term used a lot around the forums, and I was sort of wondering what it meant more specifically.  Is a mate more of a mutual gf/bf or is there something I'm missing?  I did do a search to make sure there wasn't already a thread like this, but my search was not very fruitful.

[Saiyuko]

I think it depends on where your from. I know in Australia it pretty much stands for friend. i think that goes for some European countries too. I honestly don't know what it means here in the States. Sad, I know lol.

[Vee Katame: His Wolfy]

Well, here on this site for the "Mate" part of your profile, it's who you're dating. Think of it, when an animal is in a "relationship" what is their partner called? Their mate.
Mate can also mean "friend" too, as Carolina_Fox said, and is mostly used in Australia and Great Britain/Europe.
I don't hear it used too much in the US.

[___]

Yea... That's about what it is...
But usally when you say your "Mated" to someone, its a long-term relationship, not some random fling or something.
I kinda got confused once when someone called me mate.
Turns out they were just being friendly and usin' that Austrailan jargon.

[Nyyrikkia Anikeria]

Mate as it has been said before, is your partner, bf, gf etc on the forums.
I'm from aussie and mate is used to describe a friend alot

[Niala Ornitier]

indeed *walks up to NyyNyy and hugs her* G'day mate? 'ows it goin'? but yes in terms of this site mate meanz 'partner' or 'boyfriend/girlfriend'