the hybrid bike is really the closest thing to what i rode when i was a kid with modern conveniences built in.
it's lightweight and inexpensive compared to the mountain bikes;
and not daunting to the inexperienced rider like fancier mtb's and road bikes.

I wanted something i could be comfortable on, on gravel and on the road; i live in the city; i'm not going to be dancing over a mountain trail anytime soon.
If my husband didn't ride road bikes (and fast ones) i would probably still be happy with my hybrid Raleigh (I had a fantastic trek before that too a hybrid)
but i couldn't keep up with him and i dont ALWAYS want to be on the tandem.

a hybrid is a perfect starting bike. You can use it off the road with the right tires and on the road with the right tires; and find out what you like to do.
I did my first double century on that hybrid bike... 200 miles in two days.