This is what wikipedia had to say about exoplanets and what it could mean in terms of the search for aliens:

The discovery of exoplanets has intensified interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. There is special interest in planets that orbit in a star’s habitable zone, where it is possible for liquid water (and therefore life as we know it) to exist on the surface. The study of planetary habitability also considers a wide range of other factors in determining the suitability of a planet for hosting life.

Let’s say we actually find extraterrestrials what would we do?

Would we try to communicate?  Perhaps take samples of their soil and see if it is similar to ours or something different?

Feel free to comment with your ideas as this story is likely to get more traction soon!