What are some camera suggestions for a novice photographer looking to upgrade from a point and shoot?

I've started to grow an affinity towards photography over the years and have exhausted all options from my point and shoot compact. While I have spent time with my friend's DSLRs and am becoming familiar with terms like 'aperture' and 'f-stops', I still consider myself quite a novice. I've done some research but am still hoping for a little more insight from more learned photographers out there. Should I upgrade to micro four thirds or just go straight into a DSLR? Most of all I would love a camera I can grow into for a while.