Total newbie here, looking to get his first (beginner) bass. Short of getting a guitar, what else do I need? Big item: A way to play (mostly) through headphones so as to avoid annoying the pets. Thx!
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This is what I use instead of an amp. You will also need a guitar cable, a strap, a tuner and picks (if you play using picks).
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If you get an amp, don’t low ball it. The Rumble 40 is nice basic amp to start with, and though I have upgraded to a 500 Watt Ampeg-- I still use the Rumble 40. Simple, easy to use, good bass sound, and all the controls you need. I think you can get one new in the low $200 range nowadays.
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Cheap, but effective: Zoom B1 FOUR Bass Multi-Effects Pedal at Gear4music
Pretty cheap and fantastic (IMHO): Hotone Ampero One Multi-Effects Unit at Gear4music
With units like these, you get pedal simulations, amp sims, cab sims, a tuner, a basic drum machine (very useful for practice and less tedious than a metronome). The Hotone unit also acts as a recording interface, for when you get into recording covers, negating the need for a separate interface such as the Focusrite Scarlett.
I have both. I use the Zoom pedal if I’m travelling and need something cheap and cheerful for silent practice. The Hotone Ampero One is used for recording, band practice and has been gigged. I’ve actually just upgraded to their next unit up (the Ampero), so selling the Ampero One.
Oh, I have an amp - an Orange Crush 50 bass amp - rarely use it. Silent practice all the way for me, as I tend to play at 5:30 in the morning 
As others have said, you also need cables, a strap etc. If you go down the multi-effects pedal route (like either of the above), I’d recommend an aux input cable - when I was doing the B2B course, finished in March / April this year - I tended to watch on my iPhone, but with it plugged into the multi-effects pedal, so I could hear Josh and my bass. Worked a treat.
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I think most of the previous posts covered it; strap, tuner, cable, and I’d add a metronome or buy a tuner that also has a metronome feature. Learning to play in time is crucial especially at the start and a metronome will help you do that.
And even though you plan on playing through headphones I would also invest in a small practice amp as soon as it’s financially feasible. The Fender Rumble 40 suggested is as good as it gets for the money and you can usually find them used for well under $200. They have a headphone jack so it’s practical for your needs.
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Very helpful, thanks so much! And so much to learn! 
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What pets do you have? I have 2 dogs and they sleep through all my noise. Just like my husband, by the way…
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Just one dog, but my partner likes quiet.
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I’ve been having good luck with the Fender Mustang Micro and would highly recommend it.
Simpler and smaller form factor than other options presented. Better sound quality than other headphone amps I’ve tried.
The biggest winning feature is that it has Bluetooth input (uses wired headphones for output). This allows me to stream audio from my computer while I practice. So I have my BassBuzz lessons (or whatever else) in my headphones while I practice.
This and a Rumble 40 are doing me nicely.
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Most starter sets have what you need if you want a package and need to manage a budget. These will have a bass, strap, lead and an 15/25 amp usually with an aux in and headphone socket. Then you just need a tuner and of course bass buzz lessons are a must. An aux in lets you connect your tablet/phone to the amp for metronomes and you tube for songs with bass tab.
If you going separates you will need pretty much the same but agree with rumble 40 amp and zoom pedals. I would go b3N so you won’t need a separate tuner and it also has a drum machine and looper. Alternatively the rumble studio 40 has built in effects.
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You will also want a tuner, especially if you mostly use headphones.
A headstock clip-on one like this.
You will want a set of tools to set your guitar up properly. I have this Ibanez multi-tool and highly recommend it.
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