To better know them, pick a game and go play. That's the best way.
>>11856832>Gen 3Emerald. All the fucking way. You could also try FireRed/LeafGreen but you will not get the 3rd gen Pokemon, because they're exclusive to RSE and you need trading.
>Gen 4Platinum. NEVER GET DIAMOND OR PEARL, those are a waste of time compared to Platinum. Also, HeartGold and SoulSilver have a decent amount of gen 3/4 Pokemon, although they focus more on the first two gens.
>Gen 5Play BW, then BW2. In that order. No questions asked. Yes, you will miss a lot if you jump straight into BW2, because it's a sequel.