If you're new to cycling (even after a many-year layoff from bicycles), just get some inexpensive flat pedals. Use those and some flat shoes until you get a 'feel' for what you like/what you want.

FWIW: I ride on the road with a bicycle that tends more toward a touring bicycle. I use flat pedals with the small set-screw pins in them. For shoes I use tennis court-type shoes; somewhat stiff with flat soles that work great with the pins. I've no intention to change to the SPD/clip-in systems .