The scale length of a stringed instrument is the distance between the nut and the bridge. For bass guitars, the industry-standard long-scale bass is 34”. This is considerably longer than a guitar, but it helps the bass maintain string tension and keep the tone and feel while playing in lower frequencies. It can be a bit of a stretch for some, but if you get used to a long-scale bass then you'll have a much wider range of products to choose from when you come to upgrade.
Short-scale basses typically have a scale length of around 30”, or even shorter in the case of the Ibanez Mikro or Squier Mini Precision Bass. Sometimes these are preferred for their more rounded low-end, which can really work well when playing with other instruments. But they are definitely a great option to consider for younger players and cheaper short-scale basses are often aimed at this market.
If you'd prefer something in the middle, then a medium-scale bass is probably the one for you. Medium-scale basses are less common and usually come in around the 32” scale. The Ibanez Mezzo in this guide has a 32” scale and you will notice its frets are that little bit closer together, the neck a little more manageable.