Differentiate between girlfriend and female friend?

Question

Is there a way to differentiate between a girlfriend and just a female friend? For example if I say חברה שלי גרה בירושלים, am I saying "my girlfriend lives in Jerusalem" or am I saying "my friend (who happens to be a female) lives in Jerusalem". Any help would be appreciated so I don't create a awkward situation...

Answer 1

Probably the best way to avoid this double meaning would be to say ידידה שלי גרה בירושלים. This is because ידיד or ידידה also means "friend" but not a girlfriend or a boyfriend.