A few months ago, I lost someone who I had loved dearly, and now I realize they weren't right for me. I'm healed up and better, No Contact really did help. Thanks everyone!
Now, I have met a new girl and we went to our school's homecoming dance together, we held hands.. we hugged, we danced.. But the day following, she told me that she isn't ready for a boyfriend yet.

In September, she was going out with this boy, and he broke her heart. They were together for a long time. Well now, I was on the verge of maybe asking her out, and she told me she's still hurting from her last boyfriend and needs time away from it. She used the word "rehab" in a joking manner. Deep down I was slightly hurt, but I told her that I respect her decision and I will wait. She thanked me, and said if she was ready at present time she would go out with me because she thinks I am the sweetest boy she knows. That made me better and I truly do respect her decision.
But part of me is unsure how long I should wait. I really like this girl, the feelings I have for her are very similar to those I felt for my ex. We talk a lot, I make her blush a lot, and she seems to like me. So my question is...

Should I continue to way.. I understand how it feels to be hurt, and I'd love to be hers..

If so, how long should I wait... I'm willing to wait as long as possible, I went 16 years of my life without a love... so..

Also, I want to know if she likes me. In a way it seems like it does because she said she would go out with me... but she hasn't said "I like you too" or anything. How can I find this out? I don't really want to deceive anyone or lie because that's just wrong.

Well, if she said that she would go out with you and that you are really sweet, then she probably likes you. I think she probably had the conversation about wanting to wait because she could tell you were interested in her and she was in you also. It sounds like she wanted to clear the air and let you know where she stands on the dating issue. If you are willing to wait a while, then do so. If you meet someone else that you like, then feel free to date them instead. If you decide to wait for her, don't pressure her. Just be her friend, and she will let you know when she is ready. Good luck!