It sounds like you’ve done this…but I was able to train my ears simply by loading presets in my plugins. I use TRacks plugins on the stereo bus and they come with all sorts of presets. Presets are usually pretty extreme, though, so be careful not to just “set it and forget it”. But it’s cool to associate a certain compression setting with a preset name, like “Rock Setting” might be a pretty punchy compression, while “Jazz Setting” may be fairly light. Once you have a good word association going…have some fun experimenting. Like Noizman said, there’s no right or wrong with anything in the mixing process.
Except perhaps delayed bass guitar. That’s pretty wrong…