Using X1 - working on a new project. When I copy a clip to put in another track, when I do the paste click -- instead of putting it where I want in the next track,,,a new track is created below that one - with that clip in it!!!? What gives with this --- some unaware setting I accidently set???

Try looking at the advanced settings for the paste command under the edit drop-down menu. There are several options you can make as default options. Paste to new track might be one of them.