How to verify a website?

So, how exactly do we go about verifying a website? Is it just a matter of checking the URL and making sure it's spelled correctly? Or is there more to it than that? I'm particularly concerned about phishing sites and other scams that try to imitate legitimate websites. What steps can I take to ensure that the site I'm visiting is legitimate and trustworthy? I've heard of things like SSL certificates and domain age checks, but I'm not entirely sure how to use those tools or what they mean. Can you provide a clear and concise explanation of the process, along with some tips for avoiding scams and staying SAFE online?