I was a teenager when I was introduced to some of the Goth staple bands. I was already interested in the Gothic subculture I just didn't know anything about the music, and I was more into Ozzy and Maiden. The first bands that come to mind were Bauhaus, Alien Sex Fiend, Sisters of Mercy, and Christian Death.
I don't listen to "Goth staple bands" that much. The old post-punk bands I like and listen to most are more dream-like, like Sad Lovers and Giants, Asylum Party, For Against, The Names, The Chameleons, & The Sound.