How close do I need to get to the outside water meter when digging to put in a new line? And isn't it a 3/4 male that I attach my line to?

It could be anything. Generally there are valves on both sides of the meter to facilitate a meter change. The meter nuts are wired together and only the water company can remove them.

Best guess would be that your attaching to a 3/4 female on the valve.

How close do I need to get to the outside water meter when digging to put in a new line? And isn't it a 3/4 male that I attach my line to?

Typically our water meters have a stop on the city side so the feed can be shut off for service or replacement and a 3/4" compression nut with as brass male nipple,(see image) leaving it.
We connect to the meter nipple with a 3/4" female coupling.
You will trench directly up to the meter nipple and run 3/4" PVC starting at the meter to the house. Good luck, Tom

Thank you, I sure appreciate it, Mark

Thank you, I appreciate it, Mark