Looking to start a decent wardrobe, could use some help

So, I'm pretty new to the idea of really thinking about my colognes. Before, I would grab something semi-cheap that my girlfriend thought smelled good. I suppose I chose decently, because I would often get compliments, from that perfect, semi-close distance at the furthest, that only some colognes seem to capture people from, without being overbearing. Anyway, my history of colognes feels somewhat unimpressive, looking back...I'd like to add some diversity to my wardrobe.

A bit about my taste in/history with colognes: I like things to not be overwhelming, from a distance. I like a scent that's personal, i.e. you have to be talking distance at furthest to smell it, if not just a smidge closer. My go-to's when I was younger were Drakkar Noir, Davidoff's Cool Water, Adidas' something-or-other, Antonio Banderas' Blue, I've even used Jay-Z's Rocawear IX(I don't think I'm a huge fan of the celebrity lines)..I think I had a Lucky scent, but I was so-so on it. I'm sure I forget a few, as well. I like a confident scent that will leave a lasting impression.

A bit about me: I'm mid-twenties, live pretty young but I like a nice mature scent sometimes, too. I had a steady girlfriend for about 6 1/2 years...as I said, I would be conscious about my scent, but didn't try too hard. I've been single again for about a year and a half now, dated a few girls but nothing serious. I'm trying to get back into the social scene a little more, is where this is going.

So, one of my first necessities would be a sociable, vibrant scent. Also, I'm in need of something good for once I find a specific girl that I'm interested in, and obviously this may vary based on her personality. I'd like something romantic, I'm thinking Armani Code for this, based on things I've read. I'd also like something a bit more relaxed, I'm not too sure about this or the vibrant, sociable(i.e. for parties) one. And, finally, any good all-purpose colognes(i.e. non-party social situations, casual scents, quick spritz after exercising before I get to a proper shower, etc.).

I'm really at a loss, as I know nothing much about actual brands, and I'm thinking you lot seem very knowledgeable, so I'm hoping you can help! I heard that Giorgio Armani once said he created fragrances not for them to be noticed, but to be remembered. I like that sentiment, and scents that would fall into that category are a plus! Hopefully something not EXTREMELY common, but I don't want to spend the money for extremely unique either, lol.

A cliff's notes--
I need recommendations for the following types of colognes:
**A sociable, vibrant scent that would be good for parties, larger social events, bars, or even concerts(?)
**A memorable, more personal/romantic scent(Is Armani Code good here?). Perhaps for first dates, special occasions.
**A relaxed, but still impressive scent, good for a casual date
**A few multi-purpose fragrances, i.e. smaller social gatherings, something for "everyday" sort-of use.
~Obviously, if anyone feels inclined, even a few season-specific scents would be awesome. Even if as vague as one for Spring/Summer, and one for Fall/Winter.

I know it's a lot, but I don't know where else to start! Thanks in advance for any response. And, if you don't want to get into giving examples for me, any input on good places for samples to explore for something right for me would also be appreciated!

Also: If anyone has any questions that me answering would help narrow it down, ask away! I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

Hey guys, first of all, thanks a ton for the quick responses! A lot of awesome pointers, and I'm really starting to form a better idea of where to start.

@Ekove: I should have been a little clearer on this I suppose. I don't mind spending a little bit to smell good, but I'm still finishing up college, so I can't exactly spend 125 per cologne. Now, I wouldn't mind perhaps one or two fine, more niche colognes. I'm at least thinking of getting a Creed(found a 2.5 oz Green Irish Tweed for $120 on scentiments), but it may not be my first purchase. I could probably spend around $75ish per 2.5 oz(obviously a little more for a 3.7 or 4 oz) for a few others. But as long as they're not OUTLANDISHLY expensive, feel free to recommend away...gotta spend a little money to be sharp, right? Also, thanks for the heads-up on Code. I had read a couple threads where more than a few basenoters were fawning over it a bit, so that's what made me think it might be alright. I'm really thinking I have to sample anything before committing to a larger bottle, though.

@adonis: I live in the American Midwest(Indiana, central Indiana to be exact. Not the biggest "designer district" lol..I've been looking around the site for a bit though, so I've found a couple online retailers I like---scentiments and theperfumedcourt). Also, luckily I saw a thread about the ebay scams, but good looking out on the heads-up just in case I hadn't!

One I ran across that seemed to have good reviews(I just really like the bottle, lol) was Bvlgari Aqva. Good, no good? Keep up any recommendations guys! Thanks a ton, again!

Heh, yeah, I'm obviously going to be purchasing my fall/winter scents before any spring/summer ones, at this time of year. But, I'm hoping that by the time spring rolls around next year, I'll already have a good selection in my wardrobe. I was looking at some burberry...I'll definitely try London, as it seems well-recommended. I didn't realize Rive Gauche was so low-priced, I might as well just buy it straight out if it's that low. That Armani seems even worse now...they wanted like 60 bucks for a 2.5oz, and that's the cheaper online. I'd rather get a Creed if I'm going to be getting into that range, I suppose.

Also, I can't keep thanking you guys enough! I'm probably going to spend at least a good 40-50 bucks on starting samples alone, but I'm thinking about just grabbing the YSL Rive Gauche and Burberry London straight out, since they come so highly recommended. I'm going to look a little deeper into the Creed recommendations, but I'm thinking the Green Irish Tweed sounds right up my alley, and I'd really like to have one "very nice" fragrance, at least.

Yeah, I think this was my problem originally. I used to go to a store, smell out something that I liked, and buy a regular bottle. It tends to prevent me from trying too many other scents at a time, and makes it much harder to discover finer colognes, especially ones that probably wouldn't be available at a Macy's, or a Neiman Marcus. Even as I was first discovering this site, I was looking at regular size bottles, not samples or decants. Now that I've discovered the perfumed court, I'll end up with probably a hundred samples, and hopefully 4-5 bottles of good, dependable scents that I(and hopefully, those around me) like. I can be pretty indecisive, so I'm thinking sampling will be a huge help. Plus, it gives me the ability to check out some of these more expensive ones(Looking at Amouage and Frederic Malle samples right now), or harder to get ones, without breaking my (non-existent) bank, lol. I can tell this is going to be an addictive habit, but commanding attention in a subtle way is just SO fun, especially when it makes women swoon over you haha.