We present some long-range interaction models for phase coexistence which have recently appeared in the literature, recalling also their relation to classical interface and capillarity problems. In this note, the main focus will be on the $\Gamma$-convergence methods, emphasizing similarities and differences between the classical theory and the new trends of investigation. In doing so, we also obtain some new, more precise $\Gamma$-convergence results in terms of "interior" and "exterior" contributions. We also discuss the structural differences between $\Gamma$-limits and "pointwise" limits, especially concerning the "boundary terms".