In software engineering, the concept of a ``feature'' is frequently used, yet inconsistently defined across disciplines like requirements engineering (RE) and software product lines (SPL). This inconsistency often leads to communication gaps, rework, and project inefficiencies. To address these challenges, this paper presents an empirical, data-driven approach to explore how features are described, implemented, and managed across real-world projects, starting with open-source software (OSS). By analyzing feature-related branches in OSS repositories, we identify patterns in contributor behavior, feature implementation, and project management activities. Our findings reveal distinct patterns in feature branch activity, offering actionable insights into improving project planning, resource allocation, and coordination across teams. We propose a roadmap for advancing feature-related research, focusing on key research questions that aim to unify the understanding of features across software engineering disciplines. This research has the potential to inform both academic inquiry and practical strategies for improving feature planning, resource allocation, and development workflows in diverse project environments.