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How a priority date is established
In family cases, the priority date is generally established when the qualifying petition is properly filed. In employment cases requiring labor certification, it is generally established when the labor certification application is filed with the Department of Labor; where labor certification is not required, it is generally established by the filing of the immigrant petition.
The priority date appears on the USCIS approval notice. Keep that notice — it is the primary evidence of your place in line.
Retention across filings
In some circumstances a priority date established by one approved petition can be retained for a later petition. The rules differ between family and employment contexts and contain exceptions, so this should be confirmed against current USCIS policy rather than assumed.
Common misunderstandings
A current priority date does not by itself mean an application will be approved. It means a visa number is available so that the final step may proceed. Eligibility and admissibility are still assessed separately.