The bulk of Star Trek took place on stardate 2258.42. According to the spoilerific 9-minute description HERE, Star Trek Into Darkness begins on stardate 2259.55. That's just over one year later. I was guessing it'd be six months later.
No, that would be one day later. 2258 is not the year; it's the day. That’s why stardates in the TNG era have five digits. Besides, the producers (and cast) have said repeatedly that Star Trek Into Darkness picks up immediately following the events of Star Trek (2009). Oh wait, you’re right. J.J. changed the dating system for the new movies, didn’t he? Alright, then, nevermind. But the producers and cast have said that this move essentially picks up where the 2009 film left off. Carry on, people.
Nope. 2258 is the year, 42 is the 42nd day of that year. That's how stardates work in the Abrams era. And the producers have said there will be a gap during which the crew has already had some adventures. The gap just won't be as long as the real life one.
Yeah, stardates in JJTrek are different from TNG. TNG was different from TOS, in fact. The other day Orci said in a talkback over at Trekmovie that this movie takes place about a year after ST 2009.