Much depends on what and how you want to record
If you will only ever record using a microphone (i.e. Recording vocals, recording an acoustic guitar etc.) then a USB mic would be a good entry point
A USB Mic is essentially a combination of a microphone and audio interface
If you want to record other things (i.e. Plugging and electric guitar into your computer, plugging in a keyboard output, plugging in a keyboard via MIDI, connecting other mics) then it can be better to get a separate audio interface and microphone
There are loads on the market and you could spend loads of time reading reviews etc. but you couldn't go too far wrong with these:
USB Microphones:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/NTUSB/usb-mics/rode-nt-usb-studio-quality-usb-microphonehttps://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SEEKX1USBEX25/usb-mics/se-electronics-x1-usb-condensor-microphone-and-headphones-bundle https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/APO0052/usb-mics/apogee-mic-96k-for-mac-and-windows-10-pro-usb-microphone Any of these would give great results - I am personally quite drawn to the RODE's design with the intergrated pop shield & mount
You may need to buy an additional pop shield and shock mount (and mic stand) with the other options but any store will do you a bundle deal - I would recommend ANDERTONS, DV247, GEAR4MUSIC in the U.K., THOMANN in Europe and SWEETWATER in the US
If you wanted more flexibility then the separate Audio Interface and Mic options are very much dependent on budget
A good entry level option would be:
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/MOSC0021/usb-interfaces/focusrite-scarlett-solo-studio-bundle-2nd-generation This would give you everything you need to get up and running for a good price
As for software the Scarlett studio bundle comes with free/lite versions of recording software, which will likely do everything you want it to
If you want a "digital tascam multitrack" then AUDACITY may be sufficient - but you may be limited if you want to use MIDI and virtual instruments (drum machines, pianos etc.)
If you wanted to combine your recorded audio with virtual instruments then you will need a more fully fledged DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
REAPER is an excellent budget option
You may also want to check out the entry versions of CAKEWALK SONAR (which I personally recommend & use), STUDIO ONE or CUBASE
Most of the DAWs do much the same thing - the ones I have mentioned are more traditional "recording studio" models, which may be useful as they will be more up to date tascam recorders with bells and whistles
For loop based/dance music you may want to look at ABLETON and FL STUDIO - but from what you have said I think REAPER, SONAR, STUDIO ONE or CUBASE would suit you better
Please post ANY questions and if you have a clear idea on what and how you want to record then post that as well and we can guide you a little more based on your requirements
An idea of budget would also be useful - sometimes it can be more economical to "buy good and buy once" - but if you don't have the budget now we can look at options that will get you up and running and you can upgrade later if you need to