iPhone tries to connect to old wifi (not within range) when connecting to new wifi network

I understand your point, though that is different than what I'm talking about here. (check the linked issue for a detailed description with screenshots; someone else with the exact same issue)

1. this only happens when I'm connecting to a new network. in the case above, my home network was only "new" to my phone because I had just reset all my phone settings. But when I connect to a new network, it can be anywhere. someone's house, a coffee shop, an airport, etc.
2. The issue is not that the old Wifi network is showing up in the list of available networks. an example would be as follows:

Look in wifi settings. See total of 3 networks listed:

• Network A
• Network B
• Network C

Let's say I have never connected to any of them before. I select Network A

A pop-up arises asking me to enter a password for "Department Store Wifi" (this was not in the list of available networks)

If I'm not paying attention, I'll try and enter password for Network A, which of course fails.

However when I try again, it no longer directs me to Department Store, but rather it correctly points to Network A.

If I am paying attention, I notice that it's not using Network A. I hit cancel instead of entering a password.

Upon selecting Network A a second time, it acts normally.