You're not old! You don't need to go "pro" and ask away. No question is stupid. We all are in various phases of learning, knowing, needing to know, not thinking we need to know but we do, and all other incarnations. Welcome to TE!
Could you share more about how you like to ride, where you like to ride, bike, etc? Sounds like you like to ride for fun.

I can share that I bought a Trek Hybrid in October and I've already advanced and bought a road bike - a Surly Cross Check with drop handle bars. I live in the Portland area and ride on the streets mostly and also Multi-user paths (aka MUPS).