well, hmmmmm, i'm a woman and i've never heard that term.
my term for that would be friend. as my friends, regardless of gender provide emotional support, laughter, friendship, and yes, love.
if you're a guy and you're a friend to a woman and you want to be more, make it known. don't use up your 'well of niceness' out of frustration. plenty of women appreciate a nice guy, are looking for a nice guy and wondering where they all are.
Amy