I went thru this exact same scenario when I started bass fishing about 8 years ago. I asked the same type of questions and got various responses. At the time I didn't know much about rods, what made one blank better than another, etc so I went on "feel" combined with some things I picked up from some other people.

I would start by looking at weight as someone posted earlier. The lighter the better.
Then look at sensitivity. This is very hard to figure out just holding a rod in the store.
Then I would look at balance. To me this is one of the most important things.
Then look at action. My preference is fast or extra fast action which simply refers to how the rod bends.
Then lastly look at rod strength or power based on what your favorite type of fishing is. Most guys don't jump in and buy 5 new rods they buy 1 or 2 to get started.

To summarize, start with deciding what techniques are your favorite then go look at rods that would be a good set up for those and start looking at all the items listed above. If you want to send me a PM with some specific questions I can try to help as best I can. I have owned All Star, Castaway, Falcons, Ducketts, G-Loomis and Dobyns so can only speak to my experience with those.

Start by "stairstepping". What I mean is if you had $50 rods in the past buy a $100 rod and see if the hype is worth it to you. If so then buy a $150 and so on until you hit the $300 mark or so. Past that I am out. If you fish enough to justify and appreciate the higher end stuff then go for it. That being said NEVER feel like you can't catch fish on cheaper stuff. Its all about what you want and expect. I use primarily all Megabass Orochi XX rods and that is as high end as I need to go for what I do.

I look at it like this if Edwin Evers can be one of the most consistent anglers in the world using BPS rods and reels ranging from 69.99 to 149.99 I think I will be ok using the low end equipment.