A Few Questions

[Haze]

I told myself I'd never get back into Pokemon since Emerald but I gave in when Platinum was released in America. It's been awhile since I've played Pokemon so I'm out of the loop, but I have a few questions. I JUST got my 3rd badge so I'm not that far into the game.

Firstly, are there any new types introduced since the 3rd generation?

Secondly, I remember reading awhile back a new feature introduced in the 4th generation Pokemon games. It goes along with Physical/Special attack type moves. Obviously moves like "Bite" or "Tackle" are considered a Physical attack type, but with the new movesets, how can you decipher the difference between Physical and Special attack type moves?

This is going to be a pretty vague question, so a few examples will suffice. Which Pokemon would you recommend for a good lineup? [Electric, Psychic, Fire, Water, etc]

EDIT: What are the big differences between Diamond/Pearl and Platinum?

[enjoiboy5]

first of all who did you choose as a starter and we can help you from there for a line up

[SuperSimon]

Theres not much difference Im pretty sure. The physical/special split, is pretty easy to know. Just think about the move's name and if it sounds "physical" then it most likely is. If your not certain, theres a small symbol next to the move. Dont quote me on this, but I think that physical is orange and special is a purple swirl.

For good pokemon, Id say is your starter, Grass Im assuming by the types you gave, then two pokemon you can get early that are good are Buizel and Ponyta. I didnt find a need for an electric type in the game due to the only somewhat good one is luxray who sucks. If you did choose Turtwig then that will cover a ground type. You could try raising up a lucario which could help, but its a pain to hatch then train that late in the game. A Staraptor learns aloth of really good moves and can double as an hm b*tch using a set such as bravebird, close combat, fly, defog. Lastly I would suggest getting an ice type in snowpoint such as Sneasel or Abmasnow.

[Light Angel]

I think a really good electric type is Luxray. A good move set would have to be Crunch Charge Beam Thunder Fang and Thunderbolt. You could switch out the last one if you want to.

If you chose Piplup as a starter then a good move set would have to be Drill Peck Grass Knot Surf and Earthquake(after it evolves into Empoleon).

I have to agree with SuperSimon about using Staraptor and the moveset. I also agree with him about Buziel(if you didn't choose Piplup as your starter) and Sneasel. They are both very good pokemon and come in very handy.

If you chose Turtwig as a starter then you are ok for a grass pokemon. If you didn't then I would recommend Roserade with at least Synthesis and Leaf Storm. You could also use Toxic Spikes o Toxic and the last move is up to you.

I think these are some good choices for pokemon. I use them and I have had success with them. These are my recommendations for good pokemon.

[SuperSimon]

No dont use luxray, especially with that move set. He sucks. A note when making movesets, usually a pokemon will only have one move of each attacking type.

[Seerow]

There are new new types in the fourth generation.

Physical moves have a red/orange asterisk symbol when you examine them, special moves have concentric circles against a blue background, moves that are neither have a grey symbol.

For a good lineup, Fire, Grass and Water are good to start with, and a Pokémon for Fly, plus a HM slave. Don't go for Shinx/Luxray. The movepool is pretty slim for a physically attacking Pokémon.

[Haze]

Thanks for the advice everyone.There are new new types in the fourth generationWhat are the new types?

[Cytosine]

I think he meant 'no new types'.

[Seerow]

Yes, my bad, Cytosine is correct. :-\

[Mr. Jack]

Yes, as SS and Seerow have said, Luxray really sucks. Because you went with Turtwig, you should get a Ponyta. Actually, that's not really an option, because, unless you start with Chimchar, Ponyta is the only available Fire-type until after you beat the Elite Four. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'm right.) So, if you get a Ponyta you have Grass, Ground and Fire covered. Machop is a fairly good, Pokemon, I think... as long as you have someone to trade with so you can get a Machamp (then again, I guess most anyone on the forums would do that for you). Buziel's evolution is a pretty nice Water-type, so go for him... unless you are anti-orange Pokemon :P.
Now you will have Grass, Ground, Fire, Fighting and Water. Go for a Psychic. I'm not sure about Platinum, whether in-game trades are different or not, but on Diamond there is a kid in Oreville (is that right? 1st Gym town) that will trade their Abra for a Machop. Get the Machop up to Lv. 15 then trade it and use a Rare Candy or something, so you don't have to deal with Abra's lack of moves.
Now, this is where you will probably be trading Pokemon in and out of your party. As previously stated, go for a Sneasel or Snover. Since you already have a Grass-type, Sneasel should be your best bet. Or possible go for a Staraptor (Starley's final evo). It's great, and can use two HMs--Fly and Defog--for you while still being good. Personally, I'd take the Sneasel over the Staraptor just cuz he's cool.
You will probably need an HM-slave, like Seerow mentioned. So, here's a good one:
Bibarel - Cut, Strength, Rock Smash and Rock Climb.
If you feel like it, you could probably have an HM-slave #2:
Bibarel (again) - Surf, Waterfall, Rock Climb, Strength/Rock Smash