Here's a breakdown of how it works:
* Goku is away: Goku is dead after fighting Cell, but he is revived by the Dragon Balls.
* Goten is born: While Goku is gone, Chi-Chi gives birth to Goten.
* Goku returns: Goku returns to Earth after seven years, and meets his son for the first time. This happens within the Buu Saga, but before the arrival of Majin Buu.
So, Goten's first appearance, and his first meeting with Goku, aren't in a specific episode, but rather within the storyline of the Buu Saga.