@pyko,
@Pyko - the universe and space - I think this question has no verifiable answer if it is asked in a purely philosophical context i.e. if asked completely independently to natural sciences and of course I mean physics.
In the various models (mathematical) of the physical universe a number of measurable quantities are axiomatically defined, space and time (space time) being one of these. These quantities naturally pair them selves mathematically with other measurable quantities such as momentum and energy. In fact, these pairings provide some deep insight into the development of any physical system, for instance, Energy is that physical quantity of the physical universe that is associated with temporal existence. In other words if there is no energy there is also no concept of time. Similarly, momentum and space. If there was no momentum there is no concept of space. Thus, physics shows that things that we would have intuitively thought of as primarily philosophical entities are in fact only (and exclusively) physical quantities. There is therefore no meaning to the question what was time like before the universe can into being or what did space mean before the universe came into being. Because? because these are physical entities associated with only a physical universe. They have no definition, no meaning in any context other that of a physical universe! This is a difficult and sometimes a disturbing concept but it seems to be the way the world is.
The physical models then describe not a universe being created in to a pre existing space and time but the creation of all physical entities including space and time. So, when you hear that the universe is expanding - it is not expanding into existing space, that very space is what is being created in the expansion.
I hope this helps.
