Hey brother, I feel your pain.
I have asked the very same questions in my life, and my only word of advice to you is ... this is one area where you just need to get out there, experience and experiment with things. It's ok if you fail a few times ... EVERY GUY FAILS AT FIRST !!!
So get out there and practice, and over time, I promise you ... you will begin to understand what girls want from guys.
Some tips:
- Try to ask questions about them more than talking about yourself. When they answer you, PAY ATTENTION AND TRY TO REMEMBER what they said.
- Be a good listener. Girls LOVE a good listener, who is there for them on bad days or even good days when they wanna mouth off about their new shoes !
- Be a good friend. Listen, pay attention (but not to the point of smothering them), reach out, hang out, try to help when help is asked for.
You'll get this, brother. Get out there and give it a shot ! That's what I'm doing too.
Good luck !