How do I make a four sided multi-angled shape with one side curved such that the curve matches the curve of a circle next to this shape but seperated by a gap?

As in, I want all parts of this curve to be an equal distance from the circle that it will be "connected" to. And then to attach this curve to four lines making a sort of distorted rectangle with one curved side.

In this case, I would start the drawing with the curved side that needs to match another object.  There are a couple of ways to do that.  If the object is a true circle, you can just duplicate the circle, and scale it slightly.  Then cut it into the size of piece that you need, and draw the other 3 sides.

If it's not a true circle, scaling a duplicate will not necessarily create an equal distance from the original, at every point.  So if it's not a true circle, I would use Path menu > Outset or Dynamic Offset.  Then edit to the size you need and add the other 3 sides.

Of course, we are talking in generalities here, in which case it's almost impossible for the user to learn.  If you'd like to share an SVG file, we could give very specific steps to do this.

I am not sure I understood you (that may change as I use the program more). What I did was draw another circle larger than the first one, so that it made a line (a black line around a white circle) around the smaller one. Then I decided to set the new objects behind that larger circle to give the appearance of being done as I wanted.... if only I could draw the objects right.... ;/

Could you show us the SVG file where you have made your best try?  That would help us in 2 ways...3 ways.  1 - We get a much more clear idea what you are trying to do. 2 - We can see your skill level, and know how much detail we need to use for giving you steps. 3 - We can use your attempts in the steps.

At this point, I hesitate to fire up Inkscape and make an example for you, because I'm still not completely sure what you want to do.