Question

1. Why don't we stay here for a while?

2. Why don't we stay here for a long time?
3. Why don't we stay here for a short time?
[Does #1 mean #2 or #3?]

4. I haven't seen him for a while.
5. I haven't seen him for a long time.
6. I haven't seen him for a short time.
[Does #4 mean #4 or #5?]

Answer 1

“While” is indefinite, but would typically indicate a relatively short period of time.