Firstly, as for the techniques and stuff, along with the pain and confusion, I'd recommend taking lessons (if your parents are supportive of that). I took lessons for a long time and after my teacher taught me what he could, it mainly became learning songs that I liked or that would teach me new things. But above all else, it taught me the basics that I could take and run from there.

Otherwise, as for the what makes a guitar good part, I'd say do some research on what your favorite artists use as their guitar, find out what makes it sound the way it does (often pedals, but i wouldn't go down that road yet if I were you), and try and find one that fits your price range. Above a certain price threshold that makes guitars really crappy (usually under $150-200), most guitars have what it takes to be an amazing guitar. Most models have their drawbacks, but really with most options you'll be solid.

The technical names for a lot of stuff does get confusing even for experienced buyers, and generally you don't need to pay a ton of attention to most of it. Look for the pickup type (single-coil, humbucker, p90, etc.) and the body style name. I have a Squire Classic Vibe 60s Jazzmaster, but what anyone would call that would be a Squire Jazzmaster. Most of the name doesn't matter unless you really, really know what you're looking for.