What is connections?

Having collaborated, having had meals together offline, knowing each other's pasts, going to business meetings together, sharing information, exchanging benefits, and making money together.
It's not just about being in the same group, having trust, or having friends—does that really count as connections?
A bunch of people with a big sister, a big cousin, Sun Ge, and Xu Mingxing—can you say these four people are your connections?