With a pal, you are said to be a learner (7)
I believe the answer is:
amateur
'a learner' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'with a pal you are said' is the wordplay.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'pal' becomes 'mate' (I've seen this before).
'you' becomes 'u' (commonly used in online communication).
'said' shows a homophone (sound like).
'are' is a homophone of 'r'.
'a' put next to 'mate' is 'amate'.
'amate'+'u'+'r'='AMATEUR'
'to be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for amateur that I've seen before include "I'm no expert!" , "One who pursues an activity as a pastime only" , "unskilful" , "Unpaid (sportsman}" , "Inept, non-professional" .)