Need assistance on being more sociable.

Ever since I have lived continuously in America (it would be better for you to assume I am a complete foreigner to understand my mindset) I have been sorta an outsider to my peers. I deliberately developed an air of being affable, yet distant and preoccupied (easiest to maintain, since I really am often distracted but friendly) sorta similar to the professor from Back to the Future. I'm not displeased with this, however I am painfully awkward when getting past the "How do you do"s with someone I don't have much in common with. Parties, for example. I've never been invited to parties (or figured out how to get into one) and have been too proud to ask. The few school "dances" I've gone to, I had to leave as the music was too loud. Last week, I was invited to a party, and I went, reasoning that I am there to honor my friend's birthday. Even though the music was quite loud, I stayed the entire time and managed to not be entirely miserable. I couldn't dance worth a heck though, even though I tried. I can't understand modern American dances, they seem so... graceless (compared to, say, 1970s rock dances). My question is this. From what I posted on here, do I seem elitist? I often chide myself for making scientific jokes or random philosophical statements when around my associates. They give me quizzical looks (which I enjoy) and say stuff like "You're so weird" (which just makes me feel like I'm making them feel bad). So do I seem elitist? If not, is there any way to exhibit myself as being more approachable, more... open? People have always seemed to be sorta intimidated by me, even though I'm short and rather puny. This is depressing, I don't want to be known as a social liability to my friends. Any help would be appreciated.

Also... disregard the nickname. I am quite fond of the book Ender's Game. I make it a point never to actively influence people for anything but the greatest good.

I'm currently 18.