I ride my myself most of the time, and always keep a few bike lengths between me and the strangers in front of me on the bike trail.

Seems like that's the right thing for me to be doing in this case.

Now, if I get riding with some experienced folks who I know and trust, I'll ask them to teach me how to ride in a pace line, and I'll be closer to them.

The last time I was in a group ride the person ahead of me was all over the road and wobbling/bobbing around. Scared me and the cars sharing the road. I stayed well back, it seemed dangerous to be any closer. Even though it meant I was bringing up the rear.