This sounds like you are indeed deleting that topic.
If you delete the first post of a topic then that does delete the topic. Deleted topics are removed from the main topic lists but are still accessible to staff users (or any group in your Delete all posts and topics allowed groups admin setting). You can use a direct link if you have one, but they can also be seen by visiting {YourSite}/latest?status=deleted
Ah yes, there may be a few quirks you come across depending on the forum software you were previously used to, but I think they can be relatively quick to pick up. And we’re always happy to help on here with anything if you have any questions or issues.
FWIW One thing that can be quite useful while you’re getting used to everything is to create a ‘test’ category with some restricted visibility permissions so you can have a safe space to play with things before trying something ‘live’. Splitting, merging, tagging, topic timers, etc, etc. I think seeing things in action in a sandbox type area can really help provide some extra context and hopefully reduce the learning curve.
And we’re always happy to help on here with anything if you have any questions or issues. 