I'm a high achiever in high school. I struggle to connect with my classmates and even friends. How do people maintain texting friendships extended periods of time?

Hello!
For context, I work very closely to the aerospace sector and do research in a local university, while still being in high school. I'll avoid specifics as to not doxx myself. While these activities took most of my time sophomore, junior and half my senior year of high school, college applications are sent and waiting.

I (18M) have been struggling as of late to connect with my peers. I just have nothing to talk about with them. This is not to say my life, dedicated to academics mostly, is better than that of my classmates. I celebrate their lifestyle, and understand that what I live like is a choice, no more or less valid than that of my peers.

However, I have issues getting to know new people, or talking with those I already know. How do people like, talk for hours? I've been trying to do active listening, but find that I really can't give any contribution beyond "wow that's so cool" or "aww shucks that's so sad", because, honestly, it's topics I have little-to-no knowledge about. And if I do try to learn it sounds like an interview. I hope someone can orient me, because I wholeheartedly believe I have much to learn in this regard. It's not that I don't care, but it's like an alien language for me.