Is It a While Ago?

Generally, the two-word form "a while" should be used when following a preposition ("I will read for a while"), or with the words ago or back ("a while ago/back"). ... The word awhile is an adverb meaning "for a while."

How long is a while ago?

The study has discovered “a while” estimates a length of 4 months whereas “a little while” would be a little less at 3 months' time. Going a little further, “a while back” would indicate the potential of occurring up to 8 months in the past. What is this?

What does it mean a while ago?

A while ago is, as your friend says, used to say "a long time ago". It used somewhere from 7+ days ago, to some months ago, usually withing 1 or 2 months. If it's been something like a year, then a while ago shouldn't be used as it is too long ago to use it. M.