[peller]

Amongst the backend options, in terms of the concepts they employ, they're all more-or-less very similar. For that reason, especially as a beginner, I'd stick with a (micro)framework that's written in a language you're familiar with. If you're not familiar with any backend languages yet, then choose something that runs on Node (JavaScript). The point is, you want to reduce the number of technologies you're learning at once. Secondly, choose the leading/biggest (micro)framework of your desired language. The community will be the strongest (help is easier to find), the documentation is typically the best, there's more supporting libraries, etc. It just makes your life easier.

For the frontend, yes, it's kind of a shit-show. That said, I don't think you can go wrong with React/Redux/ES6. (Use create-react-app to get started).

Above all, don't worry about not knowing where to start. Pick something established and still popular, and stick with it. Don't look back. Learn it, inside and out. Once you've got the concepts under your belt, migrating to something else is a million times easier.