I've gained quite a bit of muscle in the past few months and my strength has gone up as well. When I started I could only bench press in the ball park of 160 pounds but now I can push up 245 fairly easy. I could probably do about 255 at this point.
There was also a bit of fat gain as was on the "see food" diet. Basically, if it was within arms reach, I ate it. My starting weight was in the 180's but now I'm up in the 220 range. Mostly fat, yes, but I am stronger.
Back in college I made the mistake of losing weight too quickly after muscle gain. I wanted to show off that muscle but I lost most of it in the process of dieting. Starvation diets will leave you with no muscle to speak of.
I'm not making that mistake again. Muscle gain is a very slow process so I made a commitment and I told myself I won't stop making gains until I'm 30. That gives me 5 years so I think I'll be pretty damn big and strong If I continue the way I've been going.
For any younger guys new to the iron game. Don't be afraid of not being able to see your ab muscles. Most people are not naturally lean and will have to take on some fat gain for any appreciable muscle gain. That's just the way it is. Just make sure you eat a lot and lift heavy. Always try to add more weight to the bar. NOT REPS. If you want to be big add some of those 45 pound plates to the bar. And forget those 2.5 pounders. Those are useless unless you're trying to determine your max.
