I don’t have a good foundation of what women want from a conversation.

It's not a question of what they want, because women don't have the same "have goals, work towards them" mentality that we do. It's why what they say and what they do makes no fucking sense: they don't work at the level of "do things to get results".

Their only real goal of any conversation is to maintain their social status.

reframing your question slightly: what do women RESPOND to.

Which is this: emotional connection. By which I mean anything that triggers an emotional response. Avoid gore or disgusting or toilet things, but everything else works: sex, conflict, fear, surprise, shock. Think clickbait.

Ideally you are talking in a way that triggers emotions in her while you remain relatively calm and detached.

This was discovered because I’m lost when it comes to texting. The confidence is there, but I’m lost as in don’t know where to begin or where to lead. I’m receiving help my issue. I have no background information or anything that helps me just “get it.”

Texting is for logistics, you build attraction in person. If this is entirely OLD, go out and meet real women who are not attention farming you.

but I just don’t get what makes women ticks and will lead me to dates.

Attraction, emotional connection (which means lots of emotions triggered in her), intrigue, comfort. Be as physically attractive as you can! It's really really hard if you have nothing to interest the girl to start with. Learn to talk well. BE HIGH STATUS.

I’m starting from the ground up, please link me rp articles or the theory on this stuff.

There's a tonne of info out there, not sure how to find what you need though - search for it. Make sure its RP related. Don't shy away from old school pickup!

Check out Todd V on youtube

People love talking about themselves. It really is that simple. Learn what topics are safe to bring up at the different stages of getting to know a woman. Like for example when you're first getting to know her you might ask if she has any pets when the convo dries up.

Yeah ask them about themselves. tease them about shit when it comes up. Don’t force shit. They will talk and talk and talk and talk. All you gotta do is keep the vibe chill and fun

Have fun is the most important part. If you aren’t having fun, find another girl. Girls mirror your frame, when you have fun they will too, not all the time obviously though. This is where having a strong frame comes in. Don’t let their bitchiness or boredness affect you and your good time.