Been really busy the past 2-3 weeks and haven't been able to play at all. I'm lvl 19, how behind am I and what is the best way to catch up?

Catch up by returning the game for 30$ and realizing the games like the 3/4 of the population did.

i hated the quickly put together adhd story

but there really isn't much else to play atm

20 is right there, too bad you didn't do any of the queens bounty to get a couple legendary items that would give you good light.

yeah, i don't even know what this is lol. looks like i have a knowledge gap to fill

He asked how to level. Not to receive spam. But the easiest way to level is doing vanguard Strikes, and leveling up a Faction(and doing crucible for the Marks) Basically the only way to get legendary at this point.

Didn't realize anyone cared who you were or what you had to say about it. One could swear you're just one of many anonymous Destiny fanboys who decided to show up to the forum.

tell that to this sub-forum...obviously not true

this sf is 3/4th the population

Depending on what you like to do (PVP/PVE) stick to one and level it up. Earn Crucible Marks or Vanguard Marks and buy the legendary gear with it when you get enough.
If you have any friends that are high enough, have them carry you through daily's and vanguard strikes at max level.