Yes, it would.If I refer to her as моя подруга, would that send the wrong message?
It's better, however some still can understand you wrong, but why should others care? If you in her presence begin to explain away - "she's just a friend not more" - it does not look nice.If I introduce her to other Russian people, do I refer to her as мой друг?
You also can say: Она друг нашей семьи (She is a family's friend).