If "подруга" can be used as just a friend also then it's not the same as American English in my opinion. In my opinion girlfriend is used only for a relationship when a male says it about a female. I'm not sure if a female can say it about another female but not imply a relationship.

Scott

Quote Originally Posted by Doomer View Post
подруга = girlfriend
друг = friend or boyfriend

Meanings are the same as in English