hybrid is what you're looking for. wouldn't recommend a road bike for anyone who isn't VERY into biking + you want to take it on trails so that's a no-go. i'd honestly skip the wal-mart bike and just look on craigslist. a lot of people will let barely used bikes go for a fraction of what they cost since they take up a decent amount of space if you live in an apt/don't have a garage.
bought a giant escape 3 XL this year and really glad i went with it, performs well on the road and i can take it on a few trails/shortcuts near me.
just save up and buy the better bike dude.