Most people click both - Your 'Friends' can see your pages and they can see yours.
If you see a page you like and you like their work. Click on their name and it takes you to their home page where you can request them as a friend and/or a fan - hope that helps xx

I was wondering what the distinction was, it helps very much. Thank you :)

you are welcome xx

Problem with Firefox (IF you use it) is that you are unable - don't ask me why - to use the fan button. That's why I do not have many people as fans, only those I collected before going Firefox. But I can and do collect lots of friends thank goodness.

Firefox is so awesome in so many ways and then it does have it's little glitches. :) Glad we're friends. xoxo