Yes and yes. Link exchanges are the same whether they are with adult or mainstream sites. However there are a variety of link exchanges.
One-way link exchanges - this is when a site links to your site without requesting a link back. They might do this because they like your site or see it as a resource. These are generally considered the best links.
Reciprocal linking - this is when two sites exchange links between each other. If you link to me then I'll link to you.
3-way links or ABC linking - site A links to site B and then site C, which is owned by the site B owner links to site A. This is to make the links appear to be one-way links.
Thunder-ball.net or other link exchange hubs/communities will help you do the last two. Good luck.