I have only a few close friends, then another half-dozen or so people I know fairly well and am friendly with but see or speak with only a two or three times a year. then there's another handful who are further removed, maybe someone I knew from a job years ago and might connect with once every two or three years. maybe the level is based on what you feel comfortable sharing with them in terms of time and personal issues. I never believe people who seem to have tons of friends, they probably aren't actually close with any of them.
I don't have any friends from childhood, but still close with two (formerly three) guys I went to college with many years ago. the third guy moved to Barcelona a long time ago, so we email but not able to hang out. also less likely to make new friends as you get older. it's easier when younger, everyone has lots of energy, spare time and shared interests. later on, everyone gets caught up in careers and family, little time to go beyond. and honestly, at a certain point I became content with what I had in terms of friendships and genuinely happy to have fewer outside commitments. I respect some friends my age who still make the effort to go see bands play, etc. I miss it to some degree but obviously not enough to get off my ass.
dissensus definitely fills a spot on the friend spectrum. I don't "know" know any of you but feel a certain camaraderie, a relationship exists. perhaps the perfect relationship: one where you can lean into discussing a topic ad nauseam and then, when not in the mood, completely disconnect for days or weeks to no ill effects.