As to 'pan', the general rules (although they CAN be broken, for special purposes) are drums in stereo, with the kick centered, width depends on the track. Bass center (or real close), lead vocal centered, and then spread the other instruments around to achieve a balance. If you have two acoustic guitars, pan them away from each other, same for two or more of anything else (B. Vocals, strings etc.)

Take a look at your meters... is one side higher than the other (on average)? You've probably got something that is prominent panned away from center. Swings around center are OK, but the whole track should be balanced around the center. Look to balance a loud sound with another loud sound on the other side. And try not to push the loudest sounds out to the 'corners'. Keep the most prominent stuff no more than half-way to the edges. This should help.

But once again, take a listen to pro CD's. Use them as a reference. You'll know when you've 'got it'!