In this particular instance, it means “light colored beer”. Too many people still associate the lighter color with a lighter alcohol, lighter flavored beer that’s not manly enough. Meanwhile a stout is dark, so must be very manly.

Technically an ale is top fermented yeast, typically at a warmer temperature, and of course a stout is one such style. An ale can be any color, any strength, any of a large set of styles

For me personally, it is most likely an IPA, but it really could be anything. Ales in my fridge right now include neipa, dipa, and esb, but I also have a German style lager and a boch